From Particles to People: Quantum Metaphors in Organisational Analysis

Abstract

Quantum physics, with its divergence from conventional human conceptual frameworks, presents an intriguing challenge in comprehension and application. This enigmatic field appears incongruent with everyday experiences and resists interpretation through even the most rigorous mathematical formulations. Yet, the impending advent of commercial quantum computing, anticipated within the next decade, offers a unique perspective for understanding these complexities. Drawing from historical instances where the emergence of novel technologies catalysed the evolution of elucidating metaphors, this paper postulates the synchronous rise of quantum computing with the development of metaphors to explicate quantum effects. These metaphors hold significant potential to illuminate poorly understood areas of organisational behaviour, offering new lenses to view, interpret and analyse such phenomena. Three case studies, namely the agile transformation of ING Bank, the seminal Hawthorne experiments and two large-scale training programs implemented by Starbucks, are deployed to substantiate the proposed use of quantum metaphors as supplementary interpretative tools. The emergence of this new metaphorical language, intrinsically tied to the unfolding of quantum computing technology, may herald the advent of novel research methodologies and paradigms. This exploratory study serves as a precursor to further research in organisational studies through the lens of quantum metaphors, opening doors to a more profound understanding of complex organisational phenomena.