Lise-Lotte Holmgreen

Biotech as `biothreat'?: metaphorical constructions in discourse

In Denmark, as in many other European countries, biotechnology continues to be a much debated and controversial issue. The article takes its starting point in this debate, investigating how metaphorical constructions in media discourse reproduce and promote the viewpoints of particular societal groups. In this, the article tries to make up for the limited focus upon the role played by metaphor and discourse in shaping public attitudes to biotechnology. The article has two parts: a theoretical part discussing the combination of conceptual metaphor studies and critical discourse analysis to provide a more comprehensive frame for explaining the function of metaphor in use; and an empirical part analysing biotech-metaphors in the Danish print press. Although not conclusive, the analysis points to metaphorical constructions in the press being both grounded in basic image schematic structures and highly influenced by attitudes expressed by societal groups, based on the notions of risk, fear and danger.

Thematising intercultural collaboration Discursive constructions of challenges and opportunities

Taking a critical discursive approach (Potter and Wetherell, 1987; Wetherell and Potter, 1988, 1992) to analysing interview data, the article discusses the possible implications of top and middle managers’ constructions of intercultural collaboration for the day-to-day workings of a Danish–Ukrainian software company. Of particular interest is the extent to which divergent and contesting understandings may lead to positive synergies or conflict, and whether managers’ reflections may function as a means of justifying a particular mindset or course of action, provoking either contestation or acceptance within the organisation (e.g. Parker, 2000). Thus, the findings provide insight into the relation between discourse, that is, talk as (inter)action, and the development and enactment of organisational culture, contributing valuable and practice-oriented knowledge to the field of cross-cultural management. The data for the analysis are derived from 10 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted in the Danish headquarters and the Ukrainian division, respectively, securing a broad intraorganisational representation of voices.

Why am I to blame when the law is on my side?: A study of crises, public opinion and frames

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss why social media frames may exert substantial influence on the image of organisations and even trigger organisational crises. Design/methodology/approach – The study applies the theoretical approaches of crisis, framing and stakeholder theory to examine social media constructions of organisational behaviour. A recent case from the Danish restaurant industry exemplifies the structuring of social media frames and their impact on organisational image. Findings – The results of the study confirm the findings of previous studies but with the crucial addition that the power of social media frames is closely connected to their drawing on basic cultural and social beliefs that unite stakeholders across potentially different interests and identities. Research limitations/implications – The study is qualitative and applies a small dataset. To confirm the findings, further studies need to be conducted. Social implications – This paper sheds light on an issue which co...