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Microstructure of ‘Both/And’: SMART Strategies for Simultaneously Engaging Paradoxical Opposites

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Xin LiORCiD

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Abstract

The literature on organizational paradoxes emphasizes the importance of both/and thinking and action. Yet, while often treated as a unitary concept, both/and has been interpreted and operationalized in diverse ways—such as ambidexterity, transcendence, Yin-Yang balancing, and the Zhong-Yong middle way. To enhance conceptual clarity and coherence, this paper decomposes the notion of both/and and identifies generic strategies for simultaneously engaging paradoxical opposites. I begin by reviewing individual responses and prior classifications of responses to paradoxical tensions, which reveals five distinct responses beyond either/or logics. Building on these, I develop a typology that specifies and relates five variants of both/and thinking. These are organized into five ideal types—superficial Either-And, multiversal Both-Or, ambivalent Both-And, reconciliatory Both-Nor, and transcendent Neither-And—collectively forming the acronym SMART. I illustrate the application of the SMART framework by analyzing how organizations navigate the profitability vs. responsibility tension, a paradox central to modern business practice. I conclude the paper by identifying the limitations of the present study and avenues for future research.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Li X

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Management

Year: 2025

Pages: epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 15/11/2025

Acceptance date: 13/09/2025

Date deposited: 13/09/2025

ISSN (print): 0149-2063

ISSN (electronic): 1557-1211

Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063251383806

DOI: 10.1177/01492063251383806

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