METAPHORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVENESS IN ACADEMIC MANAGEMENT

Name: MONIA LAVRA VIGNATI

Publication date: 07/03/2019
Advisor:

Namesort descending Role
LUCILAINE MARIA PASCUCI Advisor *

Examining board:

Namesort descending Role
LUCILAINE MARIA PASCUCI Advisor *
TACIANA DE LEMOS DIAS External Examiner *
TERESA CRISTINA JANES CARNEIRO Internal Examiner *

Summary: Social organizations are essentially symbol-oriented, from which organizational agents are constantly thinking, reflecting and acting, based on images, discourses, decisions and actions. Among the different types of symbols present in the literature is the metaphor, which is part of the nature and essence of the management practices of organizations in general and, even more, of academic organizations, one of the most complex types of organizations in society. Considering the fact that behaviors, sensemaking and symbols are constructed and shared by academic managers and therefore, are influencers of management practices adopted, this study investigated the presence and influence of characteristics of three main metaphors in the developed practices: Metaphor of the Machine, the Political Arena Metaphor, and the Organized Anarchy Metaphor. In order to do so, it was examined how the metaphors influence the academic management practices of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in its different levels of performance (technical, undergraduate and masters). The study is based on concepts of metaphors, sensemaking, academic management and organizational complexity. This is a case study of a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory nature. Data were collected through interviews and documents, which were analyzed through the technique of narrative analysis and documentary analysis. Results evidenced the presence and coexistence of characteristics of the three Metaphors investigated in the management practices adopted in academic management, however, with preponderance of Organized Anarchy and Political Arena. Such coexistence of the manifestation of metaphors in practices underscores the implications of organizational complexity and the plurality of audiences and interests involved in academic management. Although the importance of adopting mechanistic solutions in academic management was emphasized, political practices were highlighted as being essential to progress in the implementation of changes. Therefore, the importance of the academic manager's ability to perform this function, which demands the conciliation of an objective and mainly subjective dimension involving insights, creativity, improvisation, feeling and, above all, experience is emphasized.

Access to document

Acesso à informação
Transparência Pública

© 2013 Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Todos os direitos reservados.
Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514 - Goiabeiras, Vitória - ES | CEP 29075-910