Building Novel Supply Chain Theory Using “Metaphorical Imagination”

Stephens, Victoria; Matthews, Lee; Cornelissen, Joep; Rowlands, Hefin

Abstract

In this paper, we explore how supply chain theorists can engage with metaphorical imagination to develop supply chain theory. Our main purpose is to provide additional useful guidance on how scholars can approach the method of metaphoric transfer. To do this, we build on previous work on the metaphoric transfer method and develop the Metaphoric Transfer Pathways framework. The framework offers two novel approaches to working with metaphors that will help theorists to best leverage the theorizing potential of metaphors in their work. We also develop a set of evaluation criteria which can help scholars to choose which approach to metaphoric transfer to adopt and to maximise the productivity of metaphors used within their theorizing efforts. Our paper synthesises the existing literature on metaphorical imagination in a novel way to provide accessible guidance for those looking to work with metaphor and to maximize their contribution towards developing novel supply chain theory.

Citation

Stephens, V., Matthews, L., Cornelissen, J., & Rowlands, H. (2022). Building Novel Supply Chain Theory Using “Metaphorical Imagination”. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 58(1), 124-139. https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12257

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 8, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 28, 2021
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Deposit Date: Jan 12, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 29, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Supply Chain Management
• Print ISSN: 1523-2409
• Electronic ISSN: 1745-493X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 58
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 124-139
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12257
• Keywords: Marketing; Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous); Management Information Systems
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5223628
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jscm.12257