Applying the Machine Metaphor

This paper requires you to use the machine metaphor in depth for a description and analysis of an organisation you have worked in, or had significant experience in. Explore the machine-like aspects of the organisation’s dynamics. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the aspects revealed by your use of the metaphor. If you have had no work experience please discuss with your lecturer.

You are encouraged to use rational analysis, however, equally you are encouraged to use intuition and feeling. One way of doing this is to think of your chosen organisation as a machine. What machine comes to mind? Then tell the story of its dynamics as they emerge, the image of the organisation stimulated by your taking a machine-like view. This discussion will draw heavily on your own experiences and requires that you draw links between theory and experience in order to demonstrate the impact of the machine metaphor.