How to Control Things with Words
- 1 November 1988
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Management Communication Quarterly
- Vol. 2 (2), 170-193
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0893318988002002003
Abstract
Labels, metaphors, and platitudes are linguistic artifacts that organizational leaders produce, steal, borrow, or buy from consultants for a high price. Studies on organizational change indicate that such linguistic artifacts are used as control tools and instruments of change. They enable leaders to manage meaning by explaining, coloring, and familiarizing, as opposed to traditional change and control methods—commanding, rewarding, and punishing. The article analyzes organizational use of linguistic artifacts through theoretical discussion and empirical examples.Keywords
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