It's common to hear people describe their work organizations as a "family." And that description is often made as a proud statement, as if to imply that an organization should operate or feel like a family. But that's problematic, as we discuss in this episode. Specifically, we explore:

• Why our use of metaphors for organization matters
• How the way in which we talk about things can create or reinforce cultural norms
• Why “family” is a problematic way to think about your work organization
• Implications for people, leaders, and organizations

Links and other information

Örtenblad, A., Putnam, L. L., & Trehan, K. (2016). Beyond Morgan’s eight metaphors: Adding to and developing organization theory. Human Relations, 69(4), 875-889. Click here

Gareth Morgan’s seminal book, Images of Organization

Harvard Business Review article by Joshua Luna, “The Toxic Effects of Branding Your Workplace a ‘Family’” 

Article by David Burkus: “Why a company is not a family — and how companies can bond with their employees instead”

All episodes plus MUCH more: Elevating What Works

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