Week 3 - Blog 3: Metaphors & Culture—Conduit Metaphor

Week 3 - Blog 3: Metaphors & Culture—Conduit Metaphor

I must say that this is probably the most basic form of communication, although not at all practical. This metaphor is, more or less, how an operating system should work, not an organization with real human beings. As the reading suggests, there are problems with this metaphor. First of all, correct me if I’m wrong, I believe it takes approximately 26 trials before someone is able to operate something efficiently and fluently. This metaphor definitely minimizes “the need for redundancy” and gives no room to interpret “unintentional meaning.” Successful communication is not “easy and effortless.” It takes redundant communication, most often referred to as constructive criticism, and feedback from one another. The conduit metaphor closely resembles the same kind of strategy as the scientific management approach whereas employees are treated like inanimate objects instead of human beings.

This metaphor reminds me of an assembly line; each part is put together and can not function if one part is missing. Just like an organization, problems will arise if one part goes missing or someone all of a sudden has to take a leave of absence, but the company will not just stop because of that. We are people. We collaborate and work together.