The Strategic Management of Corporate Myths

Abstract

In a new approach, which departs from traditional modes of management, highly effective leaders can use the powerful tool of organizational myths as managerial interventions to inspire, indeed control, behavior and attitudes. The authors suggest a way to analyze or ‘map’ myths, evaluate their potency, determine if the myths conflict with strategic organizational goals and, where necessary, take action to build positive and supportive myths. The myths that have been used by effective organizations are presented in support of the concepts that are advanced by the authors.