Into the Labyrinth: Tales of Organizational Nomadism

Labyrinths and mazes, from prehistoric designs to the pilgrimage layout of Chartres Cathedral, serve as powerful symbols of transformation and organizational complexity. This study reveals that labyrinthine structures, whether physical or metaphorical, act as transitional spaces fostering reflection, doubt, and uncertainty—countering the prevailing trend toward simplification and streamlining in organizations. By analyzing academic discourse and conducting ethnographic research, the authors demonstrate how these structures function as archetypes for sensemaking in complex organizational environments. The findings highlight labyrinths as indelible tools for navigating ambiguity, challenging reductionist narratives while providing a framework to understand human experience within intricate systems.

Kociatkiewicz, J., & Kostera, M. (2014). Into the Labyrinth: Tales of Organizational Nomadism. Organization Studies, 36(1), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840614546154