Corporate Communication & Culture
An examination of corporate communications and culture can reveal a number of metaphorical structures that may be used, knowingly or otherwise.
Congruency between organisational structures and managerial styles is vital to maintaining effective communication and avoiding conflict.
Common Functional Metaphors
The Vehicle
A juggernaut “driven forward.” For staff, this is no free ride; movement is the only metric of success.
The Ship
Everyone must “get on board.” The goal is to stay afloat and navigate shark-infested waters.
The Farm
Seeds are sown, profits are harvested, and rewards are reaped. Staff are the workers tending to organic growth.
The Team
Top players take forward positions. Focus is on performance, time-outs, and defeating the competition.
The Cost of Incongruency
Congruency between corporate organisation and identity is vital. For example, a corporation organised as a “farm” that recruits competitive “players” will inevitably suffer problems with staff retention. The “players” will want to win and score; the “farm” just needs them to tend the crops.
Primary Themes Explored:
- ✓ Corporate identity and brand image
- ✓ Employee/managerial identity
- ✓ Staff turnover and absenteeism
- ✓ Organisational hierarchies and status
- ✓ Management models and design
Caution: He’s known to wear red trousers.
Consultancy and Bespoke Training
Ensure your organisational structure aligns with your identity to create a more effective, cohesive workplace.
Contact Andrew T. Austin:
Somerset, UK
