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“The Odd Ones Out”: how root metaphors from management studies are used in mainstream entrepreneurship research

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Abstract

Root metaphors shape and reflect thinking in a field of research. This article analyzes how root metaphors from management studies are used in mainstream entrepreneurship research. We show how some root metaphors have been adapted, particularly those with negative connotations. We use the adapted metaphors to identify blind spots, suggest areas of research largely overlooked, and provide alternative perspectives on familiar phenomena in mainstream entrepreneurship research. We identify a positive root metaphor—organizations as instruments of emancipation—and discuss how it contributes to the canon of root metaphors for organizations, hitherto characterized as neutral or negative.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1597-1632
Number of pages36
JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice
Volume49
Issue number6
Early online date26 Jun 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2025

Bibliographical note

Copyright The Author(s) 2025. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

Keywords

  • critical entrepreneurship studies
  • dark side of entrepreneurship
  • disciplined imagination
  • emancipation
  • instrument of domination
  • machine
  • psychic-prison
  • root metaphor

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