Abstract

This paper explores the role of myths and archetypes in organizational research. The notion of myth is introduced and theories regarding the origins of mythology are discussed. Subsequently, the myth’s typical features and its role in shaping social reality are considered, which facilitates the understanding of the role of mythology in modern organization. The particular role of archetype in organizational myth is also emphasized. The following analysis of the examples of organizational mythologies is combined with methodological insights regarding the ways in which myths and archetypes can be studied in different organizational contexts. The study not only aims to contribute to improving the comprehension of key assumptions, theories and concepts involved in studying organizational mythologies, but also intends to enhance the reader’s ability to apply this method of organizational analysis.