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The implications of Metaphors on Organisational Life, 2007.
An overview of the use of metaphors in organisational situations.
3,925 words (approx. 15.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper aims to critically review, examine and explain how different metaphors impact organisational life, with the help of academic text and examples from personal experience. This author has carried this out by focusing on three commonly used organisational metaphors. The paper has been roughly divided into four sections with the author concluding that while metaphors use evocative images to help us understand situations, if taken too seriously they can eventually lead to managers making poor decisions.
Outline:
Machine Metaphor
Organism Metaphor
Culture Metaphor
Illustration of Metaphors through my Organisational Experience
From the Paper
"Machine metaphor is arguably the most popular metaphor used in organisations and effectively the most influential metaphor to have influenced organisational life. This metaphor portrays an organisation as a machine, which is made up of several different parts, with each part playing a defined role, with the ultimate aim of achieving organisational goals and objectives. This mechanistic aspect is inherent in virtually all organisational functions, starting from planning, organising, and implementing to evaluation and control. In this concept people are considered as mere operators of machines and the focus is on maximum efficiency and productivity.
"Organisations that are designed and operated as if they were machines are usually called "bureaucracies" (Morgan, G, 1998). In mechanistic organisations things tend to be monotonous and predictable, such as arrival time, time for breaks, change over of employees, etc. Very often the work tends to be mechanical and repetitive, especially at the lower levels. Two of the greatest examples of the mechanistic model are Ford and McDonalds. During the industrial revolution, "the assembly line" by Ford proved to be a great success, and in the current times McDonalds has set up a great example by "mechanising the organisation of all its franchise outlets throughout the world, to produce a uniform product". (Morgan, G, 1998)."
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Organizational Behavior: Organizational Structure Metaphor, 2006.
An assessment of the Emperor penguins' organizational effectiveness as a metaphor for organizational structure.
3,470 words (approx. 13.9 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 68.95
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Abstract
Out of thousands of living creatures populating our planet, Emperor penguins represent one of the most inspirational natural metaphors for modern organizational behavior. The paper shows that Emperors put their skills and abilities to good use; they utilize their resources effectively; they overcome numerous obstacles to help the organization internal processes flow smoothly. Finally, they accomplish their common goal. Emperor penguins flourish in the place where few living things can survive. The paper shows that as we study Emperor penguins, we cannot help drawing parallels. What if the workplace worked like this? An employee and a manager could take some lessons in the areas of protection, sacrifice, cooperation and teamwork.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Organized Penguins
Skills and Abilities
Group Development Process - Adult Penguins
Group Development Process - Chicks
Roles and Norms
Teamwork Effectiveness
Leadership and Decision-Making
Managing Team Conflict
Organizational Effectiveness
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"Another criterion of assessing organizational effectiveness is resource acquisition. Emperor Penguins rely on the ocean as their only food source, so it must be within reach of every mature penguin or they will starve and die. The acquisition of heat can be seen in the huddle where penguins must cooperate during storms or they will freeze to death. The acquisition of safety can be seen in the protection of their chicks from predators. Acquiring a mate takes a certain amount of skill and determination as well. The "healthy systems" approach is in effect in the rookery because we can see the genuine sense of community."
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Organizational Structure Metaphors, 2004.
An analysis of different metaphors used in organizational structures.
2,213 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 13 sources, MLA, £ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses various metaphors used in organizational structures. The paper explains the military or mechanical model metaphor and the organic or biological system metaphor. The paper also examines the cognitive system metaphor and the ecosystem metaphor. The paper presents a discussion as to how effective the metaphors are in enabling a greater understanding of organizational processes to be developed.
From the Paper
"In today's hyper-competitive world, organizations struggle daily to garner and maintain valuable market share. Thanks to globalization, businesses are experiencing competition from all four corners of the globe. It is now common for competitors to operate in completely different environments, both internally and externally. Despite the increased opportunities offered by globalization, it becomes increasingly difficult for some companies to remain competitive. As such, aspects such as "superior/subordinate relationships, leadership, teamwork, motivation, and conflict management" (Norris, 2000, p. 105) become ever more important, and each of these hinges upon the organization's structure."
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Organizational Metaphors, 2003.
A discussion on the organization of work according to the business environment in which organizations operate.
2,750 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the ways which work is organized and the way in which information technology is employed in organizations in terms of metaphors such as the machine, the organism and the brain respectively. It discusses the definition of the word ?metaphor? and its significance for understanding organizations. For each metaphor, their fundamental concepts are examined, after which theories and principles developed to aid our understanding of these three specific metaphors are discussed. The metaphors are then analyzed for their effectiveness and appropriateness for our understanding of recent developments in the use of information technology in organizations.
Outline
What is a Metaphor?
The Machine Metaphor
Theories on Mechanistic Approach
Basic Characteristics
Strengths and Limitations
The Organism Metaphor
Theories on Organismic Approach
Basic Characteristics
Strengths and Limitations
The Brain Metaphor
Theories on the Brain Metaphor
Basic Characteristics
Strengths and Limitations
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Founders of the this theory, Lyndall Urwick, Henri Fayol and F.Mooney, took planning, coordination and control features of management as the core of their theory. The implementation of this theory creates hierarchically structured bureaucratic organizations with predetermined objectives, pre-defined jobs and specifically defined lines of communication and command. This kind of an organization design is similar with a machine design. They focused more on efficient operation of organizations so treated organizations as if they were machines and they ignored the human side. Their main objective was to make human fit the mechanical organizations."
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Metaphors in Daily Life, 2008.
A paper describing the meaning and use of metaphors in all forms of communications.
3,255 words (approx. 13.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at definitions of metaphors, their usefulness or lack thereof, and the basics of communication theory and how metaphors work in conjunction with that theory. While acknowledging that metaphors are good in that they describe a feeling that might not be communicated in another fashion, the paper also looks at whether it might be possible to educate the receiver of these metaphores that it might be prudent to implement some basic communication theories before swallowing metaphors "as true fact'.
From the Paper
"Metaphors go through every form of communication in daily life. Since everything from politics, to science, to internet based research, entertainment, to speaking day to day with friends, neighbors and academic professionals involve spoken or written communication, metaphors permeate every facet of our lives.
"With that being the case, we need to understand them, and that is the purpose behind this paper, Metaphors in Daily Life. This paper looks at definitions of metaphors, if any exist, their usefulness or lack thereof, and the basic of communication theory and how metaphors work in conjunction with that theory. Do they have a relevance when the recipient of the conversation does not share the same experiences as the deliverer of those messages, or are they lost with no relevance because there is not enough literal meaning in which to extract meaningful interpretation?"
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Nursing Implications, 2007.
A discussion on whether or not the implications of nursing pediatric patients recovering from transplant therapy differ from the implications of nursing adult and/or geriatric patients.
2,324 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explores whether or not the nursing implications change with regards to providing care to adult versus child transplant recipients. The paper looks at some of the obvious differences between children and adults but also takes time to explore the many similarities between patients of all ages. It also delves into the philosophical, possibly even moral, reservations some nursing professionals might have with treating certain patients and considers what the appropriate response should be. The paper also looks at the other "actors" - family members, even school officials - for whom the professional nurse must have proper deference and briefly considers the implications that these relationships will have upon the patients' long-term well-being.
From the Paper
"Transplant therapy for children versus transplant therapy for adults - especially older adults - is similar in the sense that both instances demand nursing professionals respect the pain and fearfulness of the subject's family. However, one can argue that any position which cleaves to the view that the two should not be treated differently is nonetheless a rather naive one. For one thing, elderly patients are not attending (or about to attend) school as are children. Because of this fact, Brosig (2006) insists that transplant teams should be in contact with school personnel so as to "optimize outcomes" via coming up with an individualized approach to facilitating the child's scholastic efforts."
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Organizational Theory, 2005.
A proposed metaphor for an organizational theory.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 3 sources, £ 43.95
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Abstract
In recent decades, the organization of businesses has evolved, and with it the theory relating to organizational structure has evolved. Bearing in mind this evolution, the author of this paper formulated a metaphor for organization theory that she believes is relevant to current organizational theory. The metaphor chosen is the brain. This metaphor is informed by the latest research on the functioning of the brain.
From the Paper
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Organisational Learning and Knowledge Management, 2005.
A look at the emergence of organisational learning as a management tool.
3,421 words (approx. 13.7 pages), 26 sources, MLA, £ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how organisational learning is now accepted as a central, rather than peripheral organisational variable, with its competitive value widely recognized. It looks at how the concept of organisational learning is seen to have broad analytical value, because of its emphasis on dynamic, changing relationships and emergent phenomena and how it is seen as a critical complement to managerial theory. It also discusses how a knowledge-creating company is a rich setting for the investigation of organisational learning and its associated knowledge processes. Knowledge-creating companies can be seen as pioneers, given their everyday emphasis on knowledge creation and learning.
Outline
Introduction
Why a Learning Organisation and Knowledge Management?
Core Competencies of Knowledge
Examples of Success
Impediments to a Learning Organisation and Knowledge Management
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The challenge facing superior managers today is to make the effort needed to learn some of the new skills and techniques, and to put in the processes that engage their workforce in programs of continuous capability development. Knowledge management is the collection of processes that govern the creation, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge. It is the management of the organisation towards the continuous renewal of the organisational knowledge base; this means creation of supportive organisational structures, facilitation of organisational members, putting in IT-instruments with emphasis on teamwork and diffusion of knowledge into place . In one form or another, knowledge management has been around for a very long time. Practitioners have included philosophers, priests, teachers, politicians, scribes, Liberians, etc. "
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Organisational Culture, 2003.
A discussion on organisational culture and its relationship with strategic management.
1,797 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between organisational culture and organisational strategy and how any strategic change must always be accompanied by appropriate culture change. It explores the three types of change that are apparent in organisations starting with apparent change, where new problems are confronted by choosing a range of different options permitted by the company culture. It then looks at cultural incrementalism where strategy stretches the existing organisational culture to include new values alongside the old ones followed by revolutionary change where strategic change is imposed upon the organisation, which does not comply with existing cultural values and believes and requires the organisation to create new values and symbols in order to achieve the desired change.
From the Paper
"The opposite of strategic drift is strategic fit. This is also known as the process of incremental development. Quinn (1980) and Lindblom (1958)11 have argued that incremental development in organisations is not only inevitable, but also logical. Managers are aware that it is not possible to know about all the influences that could affect the future of the organisation. So to cope with uncertainty, strategies must be developed in stages, carrying members of the organisation with them. This allows the organisation to try out new ideas and experiences to see which are likely to be effective and to stimulate commitment within the organisation through continual, but low scale change."
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The Implications of Third World Military Industrialization, 1999.
An examination of the trends and implications of third world militarization and arms procurement process to find the factors that shape its growth and development.
5,380 words (approx. 21.5 pages), 16 sources, £ 93.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the implications of third world military industrialization. Section one is an introduction to the topic, which among others states that it: "would be useful to examine the trends and implications of Third World militarization and arms procurement process to find the factors that shape its growth and development. Section two is devoted to an explanation of what these authors have hypothesized on the subject of third world militarization and its implications: Rodney Jones and Steven Hildreth, James Katz, Edward Kolodziej and Robert Harkavy, Miles Wolpin, and Ross Peterson. Section three describes the key variables that the writers selected authors have used as well as those that the writer would use in his own hypothesis. Section four addresses questions such as, ?In view of your operationalizations, how should you test the validity of the hypotheses?? Section five is a short summation and explanation of how one would recognize whether or not the statistical results from the hypothesis were proved, or disproved. Along with this there is discussion of potential statistical findings in terms of specified parameters, and future directions of this research project.
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Origins and Principles of Organisational Learning, 1999.
A contemporary review of the contributing research, theory, principles and practices which which underpins organisational learning and the learning organisation.
5,844 words (approx. 23.4 pages), 19 sources, MLA, £ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper surveys the main contributors to the theory and practice of organisational learning. It begins with a brief discussion on the origins of organisational learning and the environmental conditions, which have contributed to the recent rise in popularity in the methods and practices of the learning organisation. The contributions of Senge, (1990), Pedler M, Burgoyne J & Boydell T, (1996), Argyris C & Schon D, (1978, 1996) and Dixon N, (1999) to the organisational learning debate are compared and contrasted in order to gain an overview of the principles and practices involved.
From the Paper
"Personal mastery is the cornerstone of the learning organisation as depicted by Senge, (1990). It is seen as the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively. In this sense personal mastery is not about the acquisition of particular sets of skills and knowledge; rather it embodies two underlying processes which facilitate a more fundamental and transferable learning namely clarifying what is important and learning how to see reality more objectively. In practice the application of these processes at an individual level produces a ?creative tension? resulting from the juxtaposition of vision (what is important and desirable) and a clear perspective of reality (the current position). Such creative tension produces a force with the energy necessary to bring the two together."
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The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning, 2004.
A consideration of the ethical implications of human cloning and the legal steps, if any, which should be taken to regulate this area of scientific development.
4,538 words (approx. 18.2 pages), 28 sources, APA, £ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the ethical implications surrounding reproductive and therapeutic cloning, including issues such as the right to an open future, commodification of children, the risk of psychological harm to the clone, the right to indiviudality and the "Kantian Ends and Means Dictum". It shows that although many moral objections to cloning can be theoretically rebutted, by adopting an approach which views the welfare of the resultant clone as the paramount consideration in the cloning debate, it is concluded that such a practice should never be allowed. It also considers the current legal regulation of cloning and concludes that the status quo should be maintained.
Outline
Introduction
Reproductive Cloning
Current Situation
Procreative Autonomy
Safety Implications
Intrinsic Sense of Immorality
Individuality
The Right to an Open Future
Commodification
Psychological Harm
Human Dignity and the Kantian ?Ends and Means? Dictum
Fear of Eugenics
Therapeutic Cloning
The Moral Status of the Embryo
The ?Slippery Slope? Argument
Should Therapeutic Cloning be Permissible?
Legal Regulation of Cloning
Conclusion
From the Paper
"One of the central tenets of the cloning debate is whether a person has the right, as articulated by Dworkin, to ?procreative autonomy?. He defines this as a right to control one?s own role in procreation unless the state has a compelling reason for denying them that control. Following from this, Harris contends that ?genetic imperative? is a fundamental aspect of the right to procreative autonomy and since society grants the legitimacy of genetic aspirations in so many cases and indeed the use of advanced technology to meet such desires, only compelling and serious reasons could deny people such wishes in the case of cloning. Although Dworkin and Harris assert that there is insufficient evidence of harm to justify interfering with this freedom of an individual, a consideration of the following ethical issues will demonstrate that what is at stake if cloning is permitted outweighs the right of an individual to procreative freedom."
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Organisational Culture, 2004.
The advantages and disadvantages of a strong organisational culture in business.
1,978 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how a strong organisational culture has emerged as a key concept in the management of organisations. It is recognised as an important aspect of organisations as they adapt to complex and dynamic markets and environments. The paper explains what an organisational culture is and how it can be implemented into the working environment. The writer explains that this form is still fairly new and being experimented with.
From the Paper
"The emergence of the importance of the concept of organisational culture has occurred in the post world war two global environment, where markets have become increasingly competitive. As organisational environments have become increasingly turbulent, the need for constant adaptation to create efficient and effective processes has increased. "When environments become unstable, then people need first to make meaning in order to see what, if anything, there is to decide" (Weick, 1994, p158), and organisational culture helps employees make decisions."
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Sylvia Plath's "Metaphors", 2005.
An in-depth analysis of "Metaphors" by Sylvia Plath.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, £ 24.95
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Abstract
The paper looks ar Sylvia Plath's poem "Metaphors". This is an example of Plath's tightly controlled, allusive verse. The speaker in the poem states that she is a riddle; as the nine nine-syllable lines unfold with their nine metaphors, it becomes clear that the answer to the riddle is pregnancy. The speaker moves from the obvious negatives (the fatness and ungainliness) to the positives (fruitfulness) and on to the deeper-lying negatives (loss of control and loss of identity).
From the Paper
"The poem "Metaphors" poses a riddle: it invites the reader to discover the situation of the poet through information disclosed in a series of metaphors. The metaphors, which equate the speaker with various disparate objects, do not, like similes, make a comparison with words such as "like" or "as". Rather they say that the poet "is" the unusual object mentioned. It is only but seeking the common thread in the objects cited that the reader can solve the riddle. Throughout the course of the poem, the poet calls herself "a riddle" (line 1), "an elephant" (line 2), "a...house" (line 2), "a melon" (line 3), a "loaf" (line 5), a "purse" (line 6), "a means" (line 7), "a stage" (line 7), and "a cow in calf" (line 7). A riddle is a construction within which a meaning is hidden."
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