This paper aims to present the elements of a radical humanist critique that suggests the discipline of organizational theory has been imprisoned by its metaphors and to stimulate awareness for its liberation. It explores the relationships among paradigms, metaphors, and puzzle-solving, showing that organizational theory and research are constructed upon a network of assumptions taken for granted. The metaphorical nature of theory and the implications of metaphor for theory construction are examined. A theoretical and methodological pluralism is proposed to allow the development of new perspectives for organizational analysis. While orthodoxy is based on metaphors characteristic of the functionalist paradigm, metaphors from other paradigms, which challenge the fundamental assumptions of orthodoxy, offer much to contribute. The paper discusses four paradigms—functionalist, interpretative, radical humanist, and structuralist—each reflecting different worldviews and sets of assumptions about reality. It highlights the importance of recognizing the metaphorical nature of theory, which can lead to a more critical and open-minded approach to organizational analysis. The paper also explores various metaphors used in organizational theory, such as the machine and the organism, and how they influence the development of theories and research. Finally, it concludes that a pluralistic and conscious awareness of the metaphorical nature of theory can help break the false compartmentalization and restrictiveness of modern organizational theory.This paper aims to present the elements of a radical humanist critique that suggests the discipline of organizational theory has been imprisoned by its metaphors and to stimulate awareness for its liberation. It explores the relationships among paradigms, metaphors, and puzzle-solving, showing that organizational theory and research are constructed upon a network of assumptions taken for granted. The metaphorical nature of theory and the implications of metaphor for theory construction are examined. A theoretical and methodological pluralism is proposed to allow the development of new perspectives for organizational analysis. While orthodoxy is based on metaphors characteristic of the functionalist paradigm, metaphors from other paradigms, which challenge the fundamental assumptions of orthodoxy, offer much to contribute. The paper discusses four paradigms—functionalist, interpretative, radical humanist, and structuralist—each reflecting different worldviews and sets of assumptions about reality. It highlights the importance of recognizing the metaphorical nature of theory, which can lead to a more critical and open-minded approach to organizational analysis. The paper also explores various metaphors used in organizational theory, such as the machine and the organism, and how they influence the development of theories and research. Finally, it concludes that a pluralistic and conscious awareness of the metaphorical nature of theory can help break the false compartmentalization and restrictiveness of modern organizational theory.