Write a 6 to 7 page paper in which you describe the theory underpinning Bolman and Deal’s Symbolic Frame, discussing its usefulness in organizational analysis, and its utility in our understanding of organizations.
Overview of the Symbolic Frame
The symbolic frame is one of the four frames in Bolman and Deal’s (2008) Four-Frame Model of organizations, which views organizations from four different perspectives: the structural frame, the human resource frame, the political frame, and the symbolic frame. The symbolic frame emphasizes the importance of symbols, rituals, stories, and myths in shaping organizational culture and identity. The symbolic frame assumes that organizations are not just rational systems but also symbolic systems that create meaning and identity for organizational members.
According to the symbolic frame, organizations are cultures that create meaning and identity for their members through symbols, rituals, and stories. Symbols are objects, images, or events that represent something else and create meaning and identity for organizational members. For example, a company logo or m
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The symbolic frame assumes that organizations use symbols, rituals, and stories to create meaning and identity for their members. Symbols, rituals, and stories are used to communicate organizational values, beliefs, and norms to new members and reinforce them to existing members. Symbols, rituals, and stories create a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose for organizational members.
Usefulness of the Symbolic Frame in Organizational Analysis
The symbolic frame is useful in organizational analysis as it provides a unique perspective on organizational culture and identity. The symbolic frame highlights the importance of symbols, rituals, and stories in creating meaning and identity for organizational members. The symbolic frame can be useful in the following ways:
Understanding Organizational Culture and Identity: The symbolic frame provides a lens to understand organizational culture and identity. Organizational culture and identity are complex phenomena that are difficult to quantify or measure. The symbolic frame provides a way to understand culture and identity by examining symbols, rituals, and stories. Symbols, rituals, and stories can provide insights into organizational values, beliefs, and norms.
Understanding Resistance to Change: The symbolic frame can help understand resistance to change in organizations. Change can threaten organizational culture and identity, and members may resist change to protect their identity and culture. The symbolic frame can help identify the symbols, rituals, and stories that members use to reinforce their identity and culture. Understanding the symbolic aspects of resistance can help manage change effectively.
Understanding Power and Influence: The symbolic frame can help understand power and influence in organizations. Symbols, rituals, and stories can be used to legitimize power and influence. Leaders can use symbols, rituals, and stories to create a sense of legitimacy and authority. Understanding the symbolic aspects of power can help understand how power is created and maintained in organizations.
Understanding Organizational Change: The symbolic frame can help understand organizational change. Change can be difficult to implement, and understanding the symbolic aspects of change can help manage change more effectively. The symbolic frame can help identify the symbols, rituals, and stories that need to be changed to support the change.
Utility of the Symbolic Frame in Our Understanding of Organizations
The symbolic frame is useful