Prashantham, Shameen and Eranova, Mariya (2018) Cultural differences in paradoxical tensions in strategy episodes. Long Range Planning, 53 (6):101849. ISSN 0024-6301 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2018.09.001)

Preview

PDF (Author Accepted Manuscript) 21860 ERANOVA Cultural_Differences_in_Paradoxical_Tensions_2018.pdf - Accepted Version Download (515kB) | Preview

Abstract

In this conceptual paper, we ask: How does the larger cultural context influence the way that groups of managers deal with paradoxical tensions in strategy episodes? We focus on three sources of tension in the conduct and design of strategy episodes – inclusion, formality and coordination/communication. We argue that in each case, cultural influences affect the extent to which these facets of strategy episodes are dealt with using a paradox lens. Specifically, in Western cultural contexts, managers tend to have a lower proclivity for adopting a paradoxical frame resulting in a separation of tensions in strategy episodes; by contrast, managers in Eastern cultural contexts such as China more readily adopt a paradoxical frame, and embrace tensions in strategy episodes. We suggest that, over time, non-paradoxical thinking likely promotes inter-episode plurality and planned emergence, while paradoxical thinking tends to foster intra-episode plurality and emergent planning. We contribute to a deeper understanding of strategy episodes as culturally embedded practices.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	strategy as practice, strategy episode, paradox, culture, East-West differences, China
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Business Faculty of Business > Department of Systems Management & Strategy
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2020 13:35
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/21860

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads