Reading the organization: metaphors and information management
Authors: Walsham, G.
Journal: Information Systems Journal (1993)
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2575.1993.tb00113.x
<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract. </jats:bold> The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of selected metaphors as a way of reading organizations, and to relate this to elements of the practice of information management A brief outline of the philosophical basis of the metaphorical approach is given. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the metaphors of organizations as cultures and political systems. These metaphors are then related to a specific issue in information management, namely the development and implementation of information systems strategy. Finally, some conclusions are drawn on the value of a metaphorical approach for information management.</jats:p>