Use of metaphors
This study analyzes the use of metaphors in some instances. The study will prioritize in looking into detail about a case that is characterized by metaphors. Metaphor can be defined as a figure of speech that brings out an implied similarity between two things that tend to be unrelated but continues to share some standard features. According to Morgan, (2006), metaphor invites a person to identify similarities between two situations but ignoring any differences that seem in place. He continues to urge that metaphor focuses on the imagination in ways that creates insights deep within us but also at the risk of alteration. Morgan, (2006) continues to urge that any theory that is created in the study of organization and management, though capable of bring out valuable insights, is said to be incomplete, inclined, and has the potential to mislead. For example, having the notion that an organization is a “machine” creates valuable insights regarding the structure of the organization in achieving the set goals and objectives. This metaphor turns to be biased as it ignores the human feature.
Literature Review
According to Hartley (2011) Hewlett-Packard, a computer making company, made a decision and took Carly Fiorina as the chief executive officer. She was the first outsider in history according to reigns before. She brought about one of the most significant mergers in the history of technology, whereby HP and Compaq computer become one. The decision saw her face court challenges from the directors, and later she got fired from her position later on.
Hartley (2011) describes Carly Fiorina as a person who has a “silver tongue and an iron will.” This metaphor describes her as a persuasive and persistent person. From her choice of career far different from technology, she still got a big technology company such as Hewlett-Packard getting attracted to her. The metaphor “silver tongue” symbolizes her ability to convince and market the company’s products makes Fiorina a viable candidate for the position of the chief executive officer. Hewlett-Packard Company needs such a charismatic person in this position. The metaphor at this point brings out the similarities that the company had in mind for that kind of person they need in that position. The metaphor “iron will” describes the qualities that the company has in mind for the post. Fiorina has the will to inspire and create strategies that every owner of any company wants,
Though Fiorina has all these qualities as described by the metaphor, she still got fired. The person who takes that position is an operations man, and the stock price is doubled. The question that sets in at this point is “Did the metaphor mislead the company in choice of a good and performing manager?” According to Hartley, (2011), being charismatic and mostly inclines a person to be reluctant in giving priority to details unless the task is given to competent subordinates, the operations of a company may suffer. The merger that Fiorina pushed for turned out to be a success, but this is after leaving the company.
One should put in mind that though Carly had the skills of a leader, Hewlett-Packard needed an operations person to execute duties that saw it do well in the market by increasing the price and being able to make sales.
Conclusion
To sum it up, metaphor brings out insights that seem to convince people that everything will set as planned or will go as per their expectations. The metaphor does not bring out the differences or the other side that may come to mislead a person in later days. The Hewlett-Packard company found the desired candidate through failing into the metaphor that described her competitiveness, but charismatic leadership wouldn’t have done well in that company. The company needed an operations person who saw it achieve the desired goes.