Jazz Bands and Missionaries: OD through Stories and Metaphor

Abstract

Considering OD as involving the development of more effective and collaborative diagnosis and management or organisational culture, a narrative process for strengthening the culture of work is described. Story telling and interpretation through metaphor was used in intact work groups to clarify the local meaning of work and develop new performance possibilities. A complete programme is described, including presenting problems, the rationale for the use of a narrative approach, intervention design, outcomes and suggestions for applications in other areas.