The language of management studies: poetical ways of saying

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe linkages between the techniques of poetical expression and the language used by scholars to communicate management practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to consider the stylistic perspective of the language used for management theorising or research, viewing the documents produced by management researchers as communicating devices and cultural products which contribute to the creation or construction of the reality that they seek to describe and analyse.

Findings

The paper uncovers the poetic aspects buried – often deeply – in the language of management studies through which the concepts of, and ideas about, management are expressed.

Originality/value

The links between ways of saying usually considered to be in opposition are made known, and enjoyed.

Citation

Berman Brown, R. (2006), "The language of management studies: poetical ways of saying", Management Decision, Vol. 44 No. 4, pp. 464-473. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740610663009