Symbolic Frame

Symbolic Frame

Symbolism, rituals, and culture play significant roles within an organization.  Directions, orders, and manuals provide rational direction to members, while symbols offer meaning and metaphorical guidance.  Rituals and ceremonies connect people to each other and organizations.  Organizational culture is the accepted norms and behaviors of the organization (Bolman & Deal, 2021).  The Symbolic Frame takes these aspects together to analyze how the organizations members operate within the unique personality of an organization.

Reflection

As an organizational leader, symbols, rituals, and culture are much easier to identify than to create.  Fabricating a symbol to rally members of the organization or attempting to make drastic changes to a company’s culture is not always feasible.  These metaphors tend to develop on their own without a heavy hand guiding them.  Leaders who identify them can use them as sources of inspiration and guidance for the organization in times of distress or ambiguity.