Building Novel Supply Chain Theory Using “Metaphorical Imagination”

Abstract

In this paper, we explore how supply chain theorists can engage with metaphorical imagination to develop supply chain theory. Our main purpose was to provide additional useful guidance on how scholars can approach the method of metaphoric transfer. To do this, we build on previous work on the metaphoric transfer method and develop the Metaphoric Transfer Pathways framework. The framework offers two novel approaches to working with metaphors that will help theorists to best leverage the theorizing potential of metaphors in their work. We also develop a set of evaluation criteria which can help scholars to choose which approach to metaphoric transfer to adopt and to maximize the productivity of metaphors used within their theorizing efforts. Our paper synthesizes the existing literature on metaphorical imagination in a novel way to provide accessible guidance for those looking to work with metaphor and to maximize their contribution toward developing novel supply chain theory.

Embracing change in tandem: resilience and sustainability together transforming supply chains

“…This research applies a qualitative multiple-case study research design to elaborate theory (Ketokivi and Choi, 2014) through metaphorical imagination (Stephens et al. , 2022).…”

“…In doing so, we re-invigorate a previous metaphor (i.e. dancing the supply chain; Stephens et al, 2022;Wieland, 2021) to demonstrate how suppliers can embrace change. Second, we present the first article to empirically identify the micro-foundations of sustainability capability for SCRes.…”

“…In doing so, we re-invigorate a previous metaphor (i.e. dancing the supply chain; Stephens et al. , 2022; Wieland, 2021) to demonstrate how suppliers can embrace change.…”

“…To increase our understanding of the relationship between SCRes and sustainability, we explore the dancing the supply chain metaphor developed by Wieland (2021), as it supports our metaphorical imagination of a dance performance (see Stephens et al, 2022). Grounded in the extant literature, we consider supply chains to be social-ecological systems that should be analysed through an organic movement (Wieland, 2021).…”

Are Academics Satisfied with the Measurement and Evaluation Practices Applied During Emergency Remote Teaching due to COVID-19?

“…A common definition given to "metaphor" is a figure of speech used to describe an action or an object in a way that is not literally true, but helps to explain an idea or to draw comparisons. Metaphors are not just a rhetoric to embellish the language used in daily life, as their importance in human life extends to much more than that (Saban, 2008;Stephens, 2022). Metaphors have the power to reveal accurate information, as individuals tend to express truths and facts, consciously or unconsciously, by using metaphors that form a pattern in accordance with their life experiences.…”