Language Games and the Study of Organizational Culture

Abstract

In this paper, we propose Wittgenstein’s concept of language game as a theoretical lens for analyzing organizational culture. Language games understood as “forms of life” emerge through the discourse and actions of organizational actors . The concept of language game offers a holistic lens, which highlights the multiplicity of sub-cultures, while acknowledging the existence, and importance when it comes to communication and action, of similarities or “family resemblances”. It therefore reconciles the integration and differentiation perspectives on organizational culture within a single framework, rather than suggesting a model where one needs to shift between perspectives. We illustrate the relevance of language game by presenting a language game reading of Disney culture. We show how the language game lens recognizes the multiplicity of interpretations as well as the need for shared understandings to get work done in organizations.