Innovation and Change from A Multi-level Paradoxical Perspective in a Highly Formalized Organization

ABSTRACT

In organizations, paradoxical tensions exist and can have an impact at each managerial level. Building upon a multi-level lens, this research aims to investigate the underlying paradoxical perceptions of innovation and change at different managerial levels in a Jordanian bank case study. Using a qualitative approach, ‘nuanced interpretations’ were explored, yielding fresh insights. The findings suggest the contradictions and complexities of external environmental changes, demonstrating that senior managers are constantly battling to manage change. Middle managers are split into two groups: those who value change and those who prefer traditional methods. While operational managers recognize the importance of change, it is not as critical as following rules and procedures. This study contributes to the concept of paradox theory by revealing contradictions throughout an organization’s hierarchy and adding to the body of knowledge on formalized organizations by identifying how contradictions emerge in practice. Further, it contributes to managerial practice by revealing how organizational contradictions and tensions stymie change and paves the way for future research.

MAD statement

This study aims to Make a Difference (MAD) by exploring the underlying paradoxical perceptions of change at various managerial levels, with an emphasis on perceived contradictions as part of organizational change. Building on evidence from a case study of a highly formalized organization. This study focuses on research investigating paradoxes and contradictions in change processes, which laid the groundwork for analyzing previously obscured organizational paradoxes and contradictions. To that purpose, this study shifts the basis of paradox and contradiction to the perspectives of participants, adding to managerial practice by illuminating how organizational contradictions can inhibit change.

KEYWORDS:

• Paradox theory
• Multi-level
• Innovation
• Change
• Organizational culture

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana Alshwayat

Dr Dana Alshwayat, is an Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Business Administration-University of Petra, Amman, since September 2017. Teaching; Organisational Theory and Design, Change Management, Leadership and Managerial Control, Principles of Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Public Management and Graduation Project/ Field Training. Dana obtained her PhD from the University of Gloucestershire, UK, MBA, and BA in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Jordan. Dana’s research focuses on Business, Organizational Behaviour, Innovation and Entrepreneurship which began when she first started her postgraduate studies. Since then, she developed strong interests in these fields, which motivated her to adopt knowledge management, organizational culture, knowledge sharing and Innovation, as her main areas of research. She is an active researcher in this field and is publishing in the area of Organisational Behaviour. While pursuing research and teaching in these areas, she was assigned as a Casual worker (External Examiner) at the University of Liverpool in the UK. In addition, she worked on an international research collaboration by jointly supervising a PhD student with two professors from the University of Rovira I Virgili/Spain. The consolidated results of this collaboration were presented in a jointly signed paper at the XXVIII International Conference of the European Academy of Management and Business Economics, Meiji University, Tokyo-Japan, in September – 2019. Beyond her research interests, she is a hard worker, self-managed and motivated, with an internal locus of control, and strong interpersonal skills. Dana is praised for her ability to influence and inspire students to experience Entrepreneurship. She is usually approached by students to discuss their innovative ideas and proposals, as well as academic problems. Moreover, she founded an innovative Mobile Application, which got approved by Apple, and is available in the Apple store and Google Play, the application was launched in 2019. She is also a member of the Scientific Committee for a conference entitled: ‘Paradigm Shifts in ICT Ethics: Societal Challenges in the Smart Society’. She is also a reviewer for the OMT and OB Division of the Academy of Management Annual Meeting, 2020, 2021, 2022 &2023 and was selected as Chair for the Goals and Behavioural Intentions (session), she is also a Reviewer for Group and Organization Management Journal, Scopus Q1, ABS 3*, and the Australian Journal of Management, Scopus Q1, ABS 2*. All in all, I reviewed over 15 papers and symposiums.