Browsing by Author "Berti, Marco"
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- Destructive leadership paradoxesPublication . Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Simpson, Ace Volkmann; Rego, Arménio; Berti, MarcoThe paradoxical side of leadership is being increasingly studied by management and organization scholars. Organizational paradox theory has generally favored a synergistic understanding of paradoxical tensions, seen as opportunities to obtain competitive advantage through the generative integration of opposing but equally desirable results. Less attention has been given to the other side of paradoxical tensions: as destructive forces. We explore this darker side of paradox by discussing how leadership may impose irrational absurdities in the form of pragmatic paradoxes (self-defying demands that cannot be discussed or realized), and suggest ways to mitigate or neutralize their destructive effects.
- A figure is worth a thousand words: the role of visualization in paradox theorizingPublication . Pradies, Camille; Berti, Marco; Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Rego, Arménio; Tunarosa, Andrea; Clegg, Stewart R.Visualization (i.e., the use of figures and images to represent findings and conceptual models) is central to theorizing. Yet, by focusing solely on the textual content of papers, analysis has inadvertently marginalized the graphic representations of key ideas. We review the paradox literature not just in terms of what authors have written but also how they have visualized models concisely. An analysis of figures in paradox articles captures the essential role that visuals play in our understanding of competing tensions, leveraging the power of imagery. We explore paradox visually, searching for the figurative materialization of paradox; more particularly, we seek visual signs that render abstract ideas more saliently and concretely. We contribute to paradox theory in three ways. First, we show how visuals constitute the lynchpin between convergent and divergent forces, allowing scholars to simultaneously reinforce and challenge current understanding. Second, we offer a tool for scholars to theorize competing demands based on three key antinomies, or dualities, that define the terrain of research in our field. Third, we reveal the performative effect of figures by identifying the ongoing dominance of certain classes of paradox visuals, which allows us to point to uncharted territories for paradox research.
- Fully embracing the paradoxical condition: Banksy to organization theoryPublication . Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Clegg, Stewart R.; Berti, Marco; Rego, Arménio; Simpson, Ace
- New space and the future of capitalismPublication . Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Clegg, Stewart; Rego, Arménio; Berti, MarcoOnce upon a time it was just infinitesimally there. With the dawn of space exploration in the late 1950s it has slowly become apparent that governance of space is necessary. Given important developments in the domain of space exploration and the complex management challenges involved, it is timely to incorporate this domain and its role in the future of capitalism. We explore organization involvement in outer space through a sequence of three conceptual movements. First, we outline the shift from an “Old” view of outer space as a domain for exploration to a “New” perspective that considers space as a resource to be exploited by private capitalistic interests. Second, we advance a typology of the main actors and the logics they bring to the processes of exploration/exploitation. We finally discuss the role of the state in the governance of these important changes.
- The paradox of the peasantry in management and organization studiesPublication . Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Clegg, Stewart R.; Rego, Arménio; Berti, MarcoPurpose – Burrell (2020) challenged management and organization studies (MOS) scholars to pay attention to a topic they have mostly ignored: the peasantry, those 2 billion people that work in the rural primary sector. We address the topic to expand Burrell’s challenge by indicating that the peasantry offers a unique context to study a paradoxical condition: the coexistence of persistent poverty and vanguardist innovation. Approach – We advance conceptual arguments that complement the reasons why researchers should pay more attention to the peasantry. We argue that continuation of past research into field laborers, transitioning from feudalism to industrial capitalism, still has currency, not just because of the good reasons listed by Burrell (enduring relevance of the phenomenon in developing countries; sustainability concerns; acknowledgment of common heritage) but also because some seemingly archaic practices are evident in the economically developed countries where most management and organizations scholars live. Findings – We show that in advanced economies the peasantry has not disappeared, and it is manifest in contradictory forms, as positive force contributing to sustainable productivity (in the case of digitized agriculture) and as a negative legacy of social inequality and exploitation (as form of modern slavery) Originality – We discuss contrasting themes confronting management of the peasantry, namely modern slavery and digital farming, and propose that a paradox view may help overcome unnecessary dualisms which may promote social exclusion rather than integrated development. Keywords: Peasantry, Modern slavery, Digitized agriculture, Management and farming, New space industry.
- Theorizing compassionate leadership from the case of Jacinda Ardern: legitimacy, paradox and resource conservationPublication . Simpson, Ace Volkmann; Rego, Arménio; Berti, Marco; Clegg, Stewart R.; Cunha, Miguel Pina eDuring times of suffering such as that inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, compassion expressed by leaders helps to ease distress. Doing so, those in a position to provide resources that might facilitate coping and recovery are attentive to the situations of distress. Despite an abundance of leadership theorizing and models, there still is little academic literature on compassionate leadership. To address this limitation, we present an exploratory case study of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, someone widely recognized for her compassionate leadership and frequently described in paradoxical terms (e.g. ‘kind and strong’; embodying ‘steel and compassion’). We address her compassionate leadership through the lenses of paradox theory, legitimacy theory and conservation of resources theory. We contribute a heuristic framework that sees various types of legitimacy leveraged synergistically to build resources and alleviate suffering – providing further legitimacy in an upward spiral of compassionate leadership.
- Understanding pragmatic paradoxes: when contradictions become paralyzing and what to do about itPublication . Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Rego, Arménio; Berti, Marco; Simpson, Ace VolkmannIntegration of paradoxes (i.e., interdependent yet contradictory tensions such as stability and change, learning and performing, or the individual and the collective) have recently been recognized as sources of synergy and competitive advantage. When adequately navigated, paradoxes may promote innovation, which favors generative complementarities. However, not all paradoxes have such generative effects. Pragmatic paradoxes (i.e., managerially imposed contradictory demands that must be disobeyed to be obeyed) tend to create paralyzing catch-22 situations. Like weeds to a flower, pragmatic paradoxes may also grow alongside the generative type. We explore the conditions in which pragmatic paradoxes become invasive in organizations, identify their main characteristics and symptoms, discuss their roots, and recommend potential approaches to their eradication.