Organizational metaphors and knowledge management

The age old question of whether language constructs reality or merely describes it has long been the source of scientific controversy. The study of metaphor finds itself in the middle of this discussion since metaphor can be argued to illustrate the very core of the matter with its attempt to explain reality in terms of what it is not. This thesis taps on to this discussion by addressing the use of metaphor in organizational context and by exploring how organizational metaphors might affect knowledge management in general and knowledge sharing in particular. CEO-letters from two Swedish organizations form the basis for exploring the potential of metaphor in organizational context. By using metaphor analysis the use of everyday linguistic expressions based on metaphorical thinking is mapped and translated into potential conceptual metaphors. Drawing upon theories within knowledge management these metaphors are then further explored in regard to the aspects they promote and hide in relation to knowledge management and knowledge sharing. Four themes are constructed based on identified potential conceptual metaphors: Journey, Competition, Wholes and parts and Personification. These themes are suggested to have the potential to influence both organizational culture and organizational identity as well as the propensity of its members to participate in knowledge initiatives. The findings in this thesis are not argued to offer groundbreaking new theories or directions. What they might contribute is a reminder to pay attention to the metaphors that construct our thoughts, whether in science or in organizational context.