Abstract
This study explores the metaphor of managing diversity and its related discourses that dominate current business communication about the changing workforce. We examine the language employed in practitioner-oriented texts and consultant websites on diversity. We first illustrate the characteristics of the managerial metaphor, including the emphasis on achieving competitive advantage and a "quick-fix" orientation toward improving managerial competencies regarding diversity. We then analyze the implications of the managerial metaphor in terms of (a) whose interests are emphasized by the metaphor, (b) whose interests are (potentially) marginalized by the metaphor, (c) how the metaphor system relates to power and economic interests, (d) how different metaphors present alternative positions, and (e) implications for business communication. We contend that language that constitutes individuals as resources emphasizes managerial and economic interests and potentially marginalizes human and ethical aspects of diversity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 28-49 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Journal of Business Communication |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 2003 |
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All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Business, Management and Accounting (miscellaneous)
- Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)
Cite this
Speaking the language of the bottom-line : The metaphor of "managing diversity". / Kirby, Erika L.; Harter, Lynn M.
In: Journal of Business Communication, Vol. 40, No. 1, 2003, p. 28-49.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Speaking the language of the bottom-line
T2 - The metaphor of "managing diversity"
AU - Kirby, Erika L.
AU - Harter, Lynn M.
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - This study explores the metaphor of managing diversity and its related discourses that dominate current business communication about the changing workforce. We examine the language employed in practitioner-oriented texts and consultant websites on diversity. We first illustrate the characteristics of the managerial metaphor, including the emphasis on achieving competitive advantage and a "quick-fix" orientation toward improving managerial competencies regarding diversity. We then analyze the implications of the managerial metaphor in terms of (a) whose interests are emphasized by the metaphor, (b) whose interests are (potentially) marginalized by the metaphor, (c) how the metaphor system relates to power and economic interests, (d) how different metaphors present alternative positions, and (e) implications for business communication. We contend that language that constitutes individuals as resources emphasizes managerial and economic interests and potentially marginalizes human and ethical aspects of diversity.
AB - This study explores the metaphor of managing diversity and its related discourses that dominate current business communication about the changing workforce. We examine the language employed in practitioner-oriented texts and consultant websites on diversity. We first illustrate the characteristics of the managerial metaphor, including the emphasis on achieving competitive advantage and a "quick-fix" orientation toward improving managerial competencies regarding diversity. We then analyze the implications of the managerial metaphor in terms of (a) whose interests are emphasized by the metaphor, (b) whose interests are (potentially) marginalized by the metaphor, (c) how the metaphor system relates to power and economic interests, (d) how different metaphors present alternative positions, and (e) implications for business communication. We contend that language that constitutes individuals as resources emphasizes managerial and economic interests and potentially marginalizes human and ethical aspects of diversity.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0345423563&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 40
SP - 28
EP - 49
JO - International Journal of Business Communication
JF - International Journal of Business Communication
SN - 2329-4884
IS - 1
ER -