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Paradoxical Thinking in Organizations

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Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Paradoxical Thinking in Organizations………………………………………………………........ 4
Apple Inc. and Paradoxical Thinking……………………………………………………………... 5
Learning Paradoxical Thinking…………………………………………………………………… 7
Paradoxical Thinking as a Skill of Intelligence…………………………………………………... 8
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………... 9
References……………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

Abstract
Paradoxical thinking is looking at a problem from a different perspective and coming up with a solution. We live in an ever-changing, dynamic environment. In order for organizations to be successful, they must be willing to resolve conflict and contradiction using apparently opposite ideas and beliefs. It is vital for organizations to understand and embrace paradoxical thinking. This paper will further discuss what paradoxical thinking is, analyze how Apple Inc. has demonstrated paradoxical thinking, discuss whether paradoxical thinking can be learned, and finally review paradoxical thinking as it relates to the eight skills of intelligence.

Paradoxical Thinking in Organizations Paradoxical thinking should be the cornerstone of all organizations. A paradox exists when two seemingly inconsistent or contradictory ideas are actually both true (Quinn, Faerman, Thompson, McGrath, & St. Clair, 2011). Paradoxical thinking involves, among other things, switching to the opposite of what is conventional (Ravi, n.d.). Many organizations do not take the time to learn and absorb paradoxical thinking and instead use simple “cause and effect” thinking. Dictionary.com defines “cause and effect” thinking as “noting a relationship between actions or events such that one or more are the result of the other or others” (“cause-and-effect”, n.d). Essentially, that actions or events will cause (or are caused by) other events – if you cut

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