ABSTRACT
Stories are an important and influential aspect of an oganization’s discourse. This essay explores the characteristics and functions of stories in the organizational setting. In this examination, definitional criteria are established for the identification of organizational stories as a conversational unit. Stories must exhibit (a) a ring of truth, (b) relevance for the membership, (c) a story grammar, and (d) a sense of temporality. In addition, stories in organizations perform a variety of functions that work toward shaping organizational reality for members. These functions include (a) uncertainty reduction, (b) management of meaning, and (c) bonding and identification. Sample stories drawn from a county jail are used throughout the chapter to illustrate the points being established. In addition, two major areas for research examining organizational stories are outlined: (a) story circumstances and (b) story applications.
