The role of paradox theory in decision making and management research

In this overview article, we contend that most theorizing and research on paradoxes has occurred at the organizational level. However, individuals and their social interactions often serve as the micro-foundations for higher level organizational paradoxes. Thus, it is becoming increasingly clear that a more complete consideration of paradoxes and their effect on management and organizations needs to take into account the individual and team levels of analyses. This special issue specifically targets these levels of analyses and includes seven articles that deal with such topics as leadership, conflict, escalation of commitment, and power. These articles emphasize multiple levels of analysis and also employ a variety of methodologies, including surveys, experiments, and qualitative discourse methods.