JOURNAL ARTICLE

Decisions Don't Have to Be Either/Or.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2023. P. 18 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: NICKISCH, CURT 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the concept of both/and thinking as an alternative to traditional either/or decision-making in business and leadership. Management professors Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis argue that embracing paradoxical tensions and viewing opposing ideas as interdependent can reveal hidden possibilities and lead to more creative, sustainable solutions. They emphasize the importance of questioning how problems are framed, recognizing the value and limitations of each side, and navigating dynamic tensions rather than choosing one side exclusively. Both/and thinking is presented as a tool to break vicious cycles in organizations and individuals, fostering nuanced decision-making amid uncertainty and complexity.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2023/10, p18
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:173841582
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright © Harvard Business Publishing. All Rights Reserved. This content is intended for individual research use only, subject to the following: Unless permission is expressly granted in a separate license, this content may NOT be used for classroom or teaching use, which includes teaching materials, electronic reserves, course packs or persistent linking from syllabi. Please consult your institution's librarian about the nature of relevant licenses held by your institution and the restrictions that may or may not apply.Unless permission is expressly granted in a separate license, this content may NOT be used in corporate training and/or as corporate learning materials. For corporate users, please consult the specific terms of your company's license(s) for complete information and restrictions. For more information and teaching resources from Harvard Business Publishing including Harvard Business School Cases, eLearning products, and business simulations please visit hbsp.harvard.edu. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.