Power, Hierarchy, and Change

Abstract

This study examined stories told by the members of a Roman Catholic parish staff to each other in informal settings. In analyzing the stories collected, the authors focused on the ways in which storytelling and stories reinforced or challenged the organization’s power structure and reflected changes in cultural traditions. Storytelling was generally collaborative, with listeners actively participating. Although the process of cooperative storytelling indicated the egalitarian nature of the group, much story content reinforced the church’s hierarchy. In addition, some stories reflected tensions between changes in the larger culture and maintenance of the status quo within the organization. Observing and gathering naturally occurring organizational stories revealed the ways in which storytelling is participative and grounded in story histories.

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