THE SYMBOLIC FRAME
In the Module 4 SLP, you will write a 3- to 4-page paper in which you will apply the Symbolic Frame to the organization in which you are currently employed (or in which you have worked previously)(ARMY).
Assignment The Module 4 SLP requires that you write a 3- to 4-page paper, in which you address the following:
After giving a brief description of the organization in which you presently work – or in which you have previously worked – apply the Symbolic Frame to the organization, analyzing the ways in which two or three symbolic characteristics you have identified provide meaning for your organization’s members.
Keys to the Assignment The key aspects of this assignment that should be covered in your paper include the following:
Briefly describe your organization – name, what it does, size (number of employees, annual revenue, relative market share, etc.);
Choose 2 or 3 examples of the Symbolic Frame (value, beliefs, rituals, stories, heroes, etc.), and assess how they create meaning for the organization’s members.
Which of the examples you have provided do you believe has the greatest influence on the organization-at-large? Why?
The following presentation by Westbrooks is an excellent overview of the Symbolic Frame:
Westbrooks, E. (2012). Reframing organizations: The symbolic frame. Prezi. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/qae4pi43dsor/reframing-organizations-the-symbolic-frame/
In this presentation, Dr. Jacobs provides a comprehensive overview of the Symbolic Frame:
Jacobs, R.M. (n.d.). Theories of practice: The symbolic frame. Villanova University. Retrieved on May 8, 2014 from http://www83.homepage.villanova.edu/richard.jacobs/MPA%208002/Powerpoint/8002%20MPA/symbolic.ppt
Finally, Hogan’s presentation is a very good overview of culture and symbols – i.e., the Symbolic Frame:
Hogan, R. L. (n.d). Chapter 12: Organizational culture and symbols. Eastern Illinois University. Retrieved from www.leebolman.com/Reframing_4th_Powerpoint/Chap%2012.ppt
Notice how this early article by Bolman and Deal points out the difference between “magic†and “might†– of course, both of these concepts now underpin the Four Frames Model:
Bolman, L.G., & Deal, T.E. (1996). Might and magic. Leadership Excellence, 23(6), 15. Retrieved from ProQuest.
Wizards and Warriors in organizations? From the authors of the Four Frames Model, here is a more recent (and quite excellent) discussion of the Symbolic and Political Frames:
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2009). Battles and beliefs: Rethinking the roles of today’s leaders. Leadership In Action, 29(5), 14-18. Retrieved from EBSCO – Business Source Complete.
