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Four Frame Model - Explained

What is the Four Frames Model?

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at October 5th, 2022

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Table of Contents

What is the Four-Frame Model?What are the Four Frames? 

What is the Four-Frame Model?

The Four Frame Model, proposed by Bolman & Deal, describes 4 distinctive “frames”, through which individuals see organizations (and the world in general). 


What are the Four Frames? 

The Four Frames include:

  • Structural Fram: Organizations are seen as structures with responsibilities, rules, prelacies and procedures. 
  • Human Resource Frame: Organizations are seen as a group or society with the obligation to satisfy human needs and build positive interpersonal and group dynamics. 
  • Political Frame: Organizations are seen as arenas, contests, or jungles where one must deal with power and conflict, build coalitions, hone political skills, and deal with internal and external politics. 
  • Symbolic Frame: Organizations are seen as tribes, theaters, or carnivals with the objective of. shaping a culture, building work meaning and team spirit. 
four frame four frames model

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