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In search of a creative space: A conceptual framework of synthesizing paradoxical tensions

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  • Gaim, Medhanie
  • Wåhlin, Nils

Abstract

We examine paradoxes in organizations and the organizations’ ability to deal with the resulting paradoxical tensions. Paradoxes constitute contradictory yet interrelated organizational demands that exist simultaneously, with the resulting tensions persisting over time. Irrespective of the prevailing evidence that engaging paradoxes leads to peak performance in the short-term, which reinforces long-term success, the question of how this might be done remains perplexing. Thus, based on pragmatic philosophy, this paper aims to increase our understanding of what constitutes a paradox and suggests a conceptual framework from which organizations and their members can frame and cope with tensions that result from paradoxes. Specifically, we conceptually map a way to achieve a synthesis of paradoxical tensions that is informed by design thinking. This synthesis is said to occur when competing demands are simultaneously fulfilled to their full potential. In this paper, design thinking – as a management concept – is used to refer to the interplay between perspective, structure, process, and mindset. It provides an alternative framing of how organizations approach paradoxes and deal with the resulting tensions.

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  • Gaim, Medhanie & Wåhlin, Nils, 2016. "In search of a creative space: A conceptual framework of synthesizing paradoxical tensions," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 33-44.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:32:y:2016:i:1:p:33-44
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2015.12.002
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    Cited by:

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    3. Gaim, Medhanie, 2018. "On the emergence and management of paradoxical tensions: The case of architectural firms," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 36(4), pages 497-518.
    4. Shengmin Liu & Hongguo Wei & Huanhuan Xin & Pengfan Cheng, 2022. "Task conflict and team creativity: The role of team mindfulness, experiencing tensions, and information elaboration," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 39(4), pages 1367-1398, December.
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    6. Leonie Schulte, 2022. "Integrating immediate gains with sustainable performance: systematic review of paradox at the intersection of strategic management and innovation," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 72(4), pages 1209-1247, December.
    7. Henriksen, Thomas Duus & Nielsen, Rikke Kristine & Vikkelsø, Signe & Bévort, Frans & Mogensen, Mette, 2021. "A paradox rarely comes alone a quantitative approach to investigating knotted leadership paradoxes in SMEs," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 37(1).
    8. Lindberg, Ola & Rantatalo, Oscar & Hällgren, Markus, 2017. "Making sense through false syntheses: Working with paradoxes in the reorganization of the Swedish police," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 175-184.
    9. Miron-Spektor, Ella & Emich, Kyle J. & Argote, Linda & Smith, Wendy K., 2022. "Conceiving opposites together: Cultivating paradoxical frames and epistemic motivation fosters team creativity," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).

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