By ferreting out discourse existing in corporate organizations
that is commonly referred to as mythology, and subjecting it to anthropological
analysis, we hope to show the effectiveness of myth analysis and discover the
meanings actually transmitted corporate myths convey. Mythology supports a collective
body and establishes a basic framework for interpreting the world. Our objective
is to show how this mythology works in the social group we refer to as a corporation.
That even within corporations myths can be established and can be subjected to
anthropological analysis is significant in opening new frontiers for cultural
anthropology. This thinking opens possibilities for new areas in terms of the
analysis of the myth structures within numerous social groups. Furthermore, it
has become possible to show how myths can be identified as a method for creating
solidarity in virtual groups, while also indicating methods of resistance to the
creation of corporate myths as a control measure for the sake of maintaining the
group. These myths also indicate one tangible possibility for the application
of anthropology.
The committee held research meetings on nine occasions during
the two and a half years of the joint research period. The initial plan called
for considering three aspects of corporate mythology: founding myths, hero myths
and brand myths. Several reports were delivered on each aspect, which indicated
that the choice of these issues had been effective.
Research showed that corporate mythology has the same structure as is found in
myths at the folk level. Corporate myth is a feasible subject of study for cultural
anthropologists, and the methods for myth analysis in mythology and structural
anthropology can be effectively applied. These methods are superior in terms of
the volume of research and methodology, as compared to the methods used in business
management, social psychology and other fields that research corporations. We
concluded that in the future the methodology of cultural anthropology will be
the benchmark for analyzing corporate mythology.
Myths at various corporations can be analyzed. Through the development of the
concept of corporate mythology, the cultural image of the corporation, which as
a social substratum has not been considered an issue, will become a new theoretical
object. We think of these myths in terms of a theoretical framework and in terms
of the feasibility of practical application.
Besides the actual members of our joint research group, many others participated
as observers who delivered reports. The result was that the research period required
an extension to allow the members to complete their reports. Another detail to
note is the spontaneous involvement by young researchers. Researchers from numerous
fields, including business management and sociology, interested in participating
in this research joined us as observers. They readily voiced their opinions. We
were thus able to establish that corporate mythology is a research theme that
can receive continued attention from the next generation of researchers.