Navigating Acceptance of Paradoxical Tensions
A Self‐Efficacy Perspective on Paradox and Goal Setting Theories
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21259442 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alice Alosi (0000-0003-3219-5853, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, corresponding author), Giulia Casamento (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna), Eleonora Annunziata (0000-0002-0261-5274, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna), Francesco Rizzi (0000-0001-6226-6320, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna), Marco Frey (0000-0002-4533-9599, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 954-975 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2694-6416 • E-ISSN: 2694-6424 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/beer.12825 |
| OpenAlex | W4409679912 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 57 |
This study examines how individuals accept and navigate paradoxical tensions within a sustainability context, using a multiple case study of five Italian companies implementing circularity measurement tools. By exploring the interplay between self‐efficacy and acceptance of paradoxical tensions, drawing upon the Goal Setting and Paradox theories, we found that self‐efficacy and collective efficacy are significant drivers for accepting paradoxical tensions at the individual level. The study contributes to the literature on Corporate Sustainability by better understanding tension management through two key findings. Firstly, based on our results, we propose a model that describes the motivational roles of self‐efficacy and collective efficacy within “reactive‐leader centric” and “proactive‐team centric” organisations. Secondly, it reveals how training and information sharing reinforce self‐efficacy and collective efficacy. This study also offers practical managerial insights, suggesting strategies for enhancing self‐efficacy and collective efficacy in organisational settings, thereby facilitating the successful navigation of paradoxical tensions in pursuing circular economy goals
Epistemology · Goal Orientation · Goal pursuit · Goal setting · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Innovation and Socioeconomic Development · Management and Organizational Studies · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology
Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research
Toward a Theory of Paradox
A Paradox Perspective on Corporate Sustainability
The Empowerment Process
A Natural-Resource-Based View of the Firm
Microfoundations of Organizational Paradox
Generating Theory by Abduction
Self-Efficacy
Managing Strategic Contradictions
Collective Efficacy
Qualitative Research
Persuasion With Case Studies
The Relationship of Entrepreneurial Traits, Skill, and Motivation to Subsequent Venture Growth.
Seeking Qualitative Rigor in Inductive Research
Conceptualizing the circular economy
A review on circular economy
The art of case study research
Integrating CSR with Business Strategy
Reframing Business Sustainability Decision-Making with Value-Focussed Thinking
Business Models for Sustainability
Greenhouse gas neutrality
Paradox as invitation to act in problematic change situations
Faith in the future
Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation
Tensions in Corporate Sustainability
Contextual Effects on the Self-perceived Efficacy of High School Teachers
Unsatisfactory Saturation
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |