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Decision making and paradox: Why study China?

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  • Eranova, Mariya
  • Prashantham, Shameen

Abstract

Decision making has been studied from various angles and perspectives. Despite much progress, the role of paradox and the ways it reveals itself in decision making has received little attention. Perhaps, part of the reason is that paradox has been studied in the West based on the analysis of Western managers’ activities while neglecting the fact that in the East, and especially in China, paradox has always been integral to managerial decision making. This “viewpoint” article seeks to highlight China as an important research setting that could add impetus to the study of paradox and decision making. It sheds light on questions such as: What do we know about paradox today and how do Western scholars treat this notion? What does research say about decision making in China? Is there a potential to get a better understanding of the concepts of paradox if study it in decision making in China?.

Suggested Citation

  • Eranova, Mariya & Prashantham, Shameen, 2016. "Decision making and paradox: Why study China?," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 193-201.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:34:y:2016:i:3:p:193-201
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2016.03.002
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    2. 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.
    3. Wang, Zhan & McNally, Regina & Lenihan, Helena, 2019. "The role of social capital and culture on social decision-making constraints: A multilevel investigation," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 222-232.
    4. Shameen Prashantham & Mariya Eranova & Carole Couper, 2018. "Globalization, entrepreneurship and paradox thinking," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 1-9, March.
    5. Claudius Bachmann & Laura Sasse & Andre Habisch, 2018. "Applying the Practical Wisdom Lenses in Decision-Making: An Integrative Approach to Humanistic Management," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 125-150, February.
    6. Isac Florin Lucian & Remeș Eugen Florin, 2021. "Learning from Chinese Management," Studia Universitatis „Vasile Goldis” Arad – Economics Series, Sciendo, vol. 31(4), pages 70-84, December.

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