In this paper we explore how the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) might help us to better understand the interplay between purpose, policy, and organizing. We start by noting the positive contribution of NPF to our understanding of the role of narrative in the policy process. At the same time, using insight from broader narratology studies, including of policy and the policy process, we argue how the prescribed focus of NPF is a potential impediment to its wider and broader use. This is a vital if we are to examine how purpose driven (in) policy, such as the climate emergency or other important grand challenges, can better support ‘organizing in practice’. We argue that focussing on how policy narrative inter-subjectively creates a sense of acceptance or congruence which we propose is a momentary stable point that has structure and content, which might persuade and provide acceptance or not, would allow NPF to better account for the narrative interplay between political actors, political institutions (including the media) and the public, and organizing. This would widen its appeal, to better inform policy and policymaking, especially relevant in policy that is designed to shape a sense of purpose.
