Reliable metaphor analysis in organizational research: towards a dual dynamic approach

This paper is on metaphor in organizational research. First, we present a framework, proposed by Cornelissen et al. (2008), for organizing literature on metaphor and organization research. We argue that metaphors play a crucial role in conceptualizing and abstract concepts like ‘knowledge’ and ‘organization’. Second, we focus on metaphor from a linguistic point of view. We discuss the opportunities that arise from using the latest linguistic insights in identifying metaphor in discourse. Then, we come up with a research approach, based on the framework and the insights on metaphor from the field of linguistics. We propose that research on metaphor in organizational management should be based on a dual, dynamic approach, both projecting (deductive) and elicitating (inductive) metaphor.