Reflecting on the Orchestra Metaphor

This chapter discusses the potentialities and limitations of metaphors, as simulation techniques applied for decision-making businesses process. A special look is given to the orchestra metaphor, as it is possible to consider one of the most cited method for decades. Approaching orchestra formation definitions, a study of orchestra characteristics and peculiarities was conducted, resulting in an interesting inside view of the orchestra. A brief theoretical analysis about modelling techniques and its application in business process is also developed, allowing, at the end, to discuss how the orchestra metaphor can be applied in a useful way, encompassing several of the aspects we pointed in the text. This results as an orientation for the reader to understand how this specific technique – orchestra metaphor – can be effectively applied in decision-making processes of any level for organizations, escaping from mistakes usually committed when simple views for musical orchestras are adopted.