Naturalizing, normalizing and neutralizing: metaphors framing the global financial crisis in Nordic banks. Issue 2 (4th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forseth, Ulla; Røyrvik, Emil A.; Clegg, Stewart
• Is Part Of: Culture and organization. Volume 29:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04
• Subjects: Global financial crisis -- ethics -- metaphors and framing -- interpretative templates -- impression management; Culture -- Periodicals; Organizational sociology -- Periodicals; 302.305
• DOI: 10.1080/14759551.2022.2157831
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1475-9551

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper we discuss metaphors and rhetoric characterizing rationalizations of past banking practices after the global financial crisis of 2008. We draw on qualitative data from six Nordic banks, 2008–2012. Financial advisers and managers sourced their accounts from everyday materials, including popular metaphors and symbols that patterned thought and practice in financial institutions, even in these outposts of the global economy. Vivid metaphors taken from folk tales, nature, food, drink and the spiritual realm were highly suggestive in terms of guiding thought and action and enabling changes in sensemaking and impression management. Metaphors were used both to highlight and to hide phenomena, structures and agency. The analysis provides three main interpretative templates or frames co-constituted by a variety of metaphors, utilized to legitimize banking practices; 'naturalization', 'normalization' and 'neutralization', demonstrating in different ways the practice of doing good, while also revealing unethical practices.