Taking Gareth Morgan's Images of Organization as a point of departure, this research characterizes the broad literature on the work-self relation in terms of its many implicit metaphors. It is then argued that a new metaphor--conceptualizing the work-self relation as a relationship in which many of the functions of love maybe present--offers certain advantages over existing conceptions. A six-factor model of work as a love object is developed through survey and factor analytic methodologies, comprising the functions of self-regulation, self-expansion, pleasure, self-sacrifice, self-subjugation, and security/attachment. Finally, a series of structural equation models relating this new conception to the outcomes of job satisfaction, life satisfaction, work effectiveness, and burnout are presented and tested.
