TY - ABST

T1 - Paradox as analytical tool for understanding and managing organizational complexity

T2 - A novel typology and paths forward

AU - Lauritzen, Ghita Dragsdahl

AU - la Cour, Anders

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - In light of increased organizational and environmental complexity, research turns ever more often to the notion of paradox to investigate how managers can navigate conflicting demands. However, the internal dynamics of paradox remain unclear, making it difficult to understand what exactly is meant by the concept, and how it can be managed in practice. This article notes that the full potential of paradox as an analytical tool for understanding complex situations of organizational life has not been reached and reveals instances of organizational complexity that appear even more radical than current definitions of paradox posit. Using a systems theory perspective, we unfold the complexity of such situations and develop a typology that includes a novel and more complex type of nested paradox that appears underexplored. We add to paradox theory by showing how different types of paradoxes and their respective relations can relate and transform over time, thereby, expanding on dominant (both/and) explanations of paradox dynamics. Thereby, we also engage with calls for more vibrant and polyphonic theory-building. We discuss our findings and managerial implications and point towards future research.

AB - In light of increased organizational and environmental complexity, research turns ever more often to the notion of paradox to investigate how managers can navigate conflicting demands. However, the internal dynamics of paradox remain unclear, making it difficult to understand what exactly is meant by the concept, and how it can be managed in practice. This article notes that the full potential of paradox as an analytical tool for understanding complex situations of organizational life has not been reached and reveals instances of organizational complexity that appear even more radical than current definitions of paradox posit. Using a systems theory perspective, we unfold the complexity of such situations and develop a typology that includes a novel and more complex type of nested paradox that appears underexplored. We add to paradox theory by showing how different types of paradoxes and their respective relations can relate and transform over time, thereby, expanding on dominant (both/and) explanations of paradox dynamics. Thereby, we also engage with calls for more vibrant and polyphonic theory-building. We discuss our findings and managerial implications and point towards future research.

U2 - 10.5465/AMBPP.2021.14680abstract

DO - 10.5465/AMBPP.2021.14680abstract

M3 - Conference abstract in journal

VL - 2021

JO - Academy of Management Proceedings

JF - Academy of Management Proceedings

SN - 2151-6561

IS - 1

ER -