Metaphors in operations management theory building

Purpose – This paper aims to illustrate the extent to which metaphors help to understand operations management research topics. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based upon a review of the role of metaphors in organisational theory building and the use of metaphors in operations management theory building. Findings – Metaphors can contribute to an understanding of the situations being addressed by operations management researchers, and can play a role in the preliminary steps of the development of a theory. Originality/value – This paper develops a metaphorical approach to ISO 9000 implementation.