The content of seven types of stories that make a tacit claim to an organizational culture's uniqueness is analyzed. Paradoxically, the stories are discovered not to be unique, but occurring in similar form in a variety of institutions. Reasons are suggested for the proliferation of these common story types rather than others. (MJL)

Lotman's concept of autocommunication--self-communication that functions as a mantra to enhance the ego--is applied to examples of strategic plans that were not implemented. Such autocommunicational planning is seen, not as failure, but as offering mythical insight and serving to focus mind and foster enthusiasm and goal seeking. (MJL)

The development of a new psychoeducational facility is analyzed in light of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale by which some members of the organization described their collective experience. The argument is that researchers can perceive otherwise inaccessible operative dynamics by studying the symbols, tales, and legends used by organization members.…

Explores the institutionalization of a fairly new Bureau of Consumer Services within the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Using documentation and participant observation, this paper analyzes the Bureau's manipulation of symbols and the developing ceremonies of exchange that ensured the Bureau's growth and survival in an interorganizational…