Stories telling within organizations

Abstract

Two ways of thinking, analytic and narrative, are present within organisations. Both forms are complementary and useful but they have different aims. The first one looks for reliable knowledge, the second one gives meaning to everyday experience. This article presents the foundations of narrative thought and its results, the stories that we tell ourselves and others which give meaning to our experience. It will also comment some of the most frequent uses of narrative focusing in areas such as knowledge management, leadership and change. Finally it presents some methods to enrich or break off personal stories to develop in a professional and organizational way.