Rabbit Holes to Narrative Organizations

Abstract

A company that seeks to redefine itself as a narrative organization must first and foremost adopt a narrative perspective and thereby realize that it is built entirely around its many stories and narratives. The narrative perspective is a radical departure from systemic-constructivist management theory and is decidedly different from the attitudes and assumptions that still define most major companies today. Narrative interventions facilitate brand-new experiences for employees by encouraging dialogue, emphasizing listening, and acknowledging all perspectives as equally important and “true.” This is how these interventions become effective: They can lead to fundamental change in organizations because they permit a unique and highly desirable form of collaboration.