While the debate over the role of metaphor in language, thought, and meaning is not new, in the past decade there has been a move among organizational scholars to use metaphors in critical research. This paper presents a review of one area of the existing literature on metaphor--that dealing primarily with the nonliteral view of metaphors within the organization. The paper also develops a discussion and critique of the use of metaphor in critical theory, pointing out that critical research looks for systems of power and domination in the organization and that reality is socially constructed. Lastly, the paper provides suggestions as to how the organizational researcher can use critical theory without succumbing to the pitfalls discussed and considers some of the potential rewards of critical research. Among the recommendations put forth in the paper are: (1) before engaging in critical research, the researcher should be aware of the implications of his/her position on meaning and reality; (2) the researcher must consider the desires of the group he/she considers to be oppressed; (3) the researcher should attempt to gain some understanding of the social reality of the individuals under study; and (4) the researcher should always be aware that his/her work may be ignored or rejected. Contains 35 references. (NKA)