3. Symbols as a language of organizational relationships

Abstract We view physical symbols as a rich, potent, non-verbal language that is uniquely suited for enacting relationship issues within organizations. Like verbal language, physical symbols have accepted elements and structure (e.g. grammar), and both influence and are influenced by social construction processes. We apply this ‘physical symbols as language’ perspective to modern organizations, and argue that recent trends, such as increasing diversity and empowerment, result in changes in relationships between individuals and organizations. We further argue that these relationship changes alter both the type (e.g. more portable and instrumental), and use of physical symbols in the workplace. Specifically, we suggest that the accessibility and flexibility of a physical symbol language offers individuals and organizations a powerful medium with which to represent and negotiate new and complex identity and status relationships. Viewing physical symbols as a language provides students of organizations a vehicle for examining these changing relationships, and offers a framework for how symbol language miscommunications can be identified and overcome.

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