Go corporate 🚶🏢
Meaning
To adopt the practices, values, and culture typically associated with large businesses or corporations.
Origin
The phrase 'go corporate' emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, a time when corporate culture began to exert a more pervasive influence on society and individual careers. As small businesses and independent ventures were increasingly absorbed by larger entities, or as individuals sought advancement within these structures, a distinct shift in behavior and ethos became observable. People began to 'go corporate' when their work style, appearance, or decision-making started mirroring the perceived norms of the corporate world – the suits, the jargon, the hierarchical thinking. It was often uttered with a mix of admiration and irony, marking a transition from a more bohemian or individualistic path to one of structure, ambition, and, some might say, conformity.
Go corporate represented with emoji🚶🏢
This playful arrangement of a walking figure and a building functions as a delightful visual pun. It teaches the viewer to interpret emoji not just as simple icons, but as building blocks for narrative, inviting a dialogue on how we communicate complex ideas with seemingly straightforward symbols. Note how the juxtaposition of the lone figure against the imposing structure elegantly captures a common, relatable human experience.
Examples
- After the startup was acquired, the founders felt like they had to go corporate and implement stricter procedures.
- She was hired to help the small, family-run business go corporate and attract more investors.
- The jazz trio decided to go corporate, trading in their smoky club gigs for a national tour sponsored by a soda company.
- Once the band started booking arena tours and wearing matching sparkly jumpsuits, everyone knew they had truly gone corporate.
Frequently asked questions
While 'go corporate' can carry a tone of irony or criticism, suggesting a loss of individuality, it can also simply describe a career move towards a more structured or ambitious environment without inherent judgment. The context often dictates whether it implies conformity or professional advancement.
The opposite of 'go corporate' could be described as 'going indie,' 'going freelance,' 'staying small,' or 'remaining bohemian.' These phrases suggest a rejection of corporate structures and a preference for autonomy, flexibility, or a less conventional lifestyle.
Yes, a small business can be said to 'go corporate' if it adopts the formal structures, hierarchical management, and standardized practices typically found in larger companies. This might happen as the business grows, seeks external investment, or aims for greater efficiency and scalability.
While the phrase often evokes images of suits and ties associated with traditional corporate environments, 'going corporate' refers more broadly to adopting the overall culture, decision-making processes, and values of a large organization. The specific dress code can vary greatly depending on the industry and the company itself.