Neither-And Thinking: Understanding James March's Unique Solution to Paradox

ABSTRACT In this article, I propose a typology of thinking pattern that helps us understand the variants so-called ‘both/and thinking’ shared by many organizational paradox scholars in West and China. The are distinguished ‘primary thinking-secondary structure between combined elementary thinking. One variants, i.e., Neither-And thinking, is associated with James March's discussion logic consequences appropriateness. An examination writings reveals an additional ‘principle-practice’ underlining unique solution to paradox. Incorporating into proposed turn better other such as ambidexterity, contingency, Zhong-Yong. shows because it embraces primary neither/nor while all do not. To demonstrate value solution, apply characterized relationship paradoxes outside organization studies, e.g., Deconstruction, Buddhism, quantum physics. wide application implies may have provided key understanding general.