TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose Paradox theory looks at ambidexterity as a set of paradoxical yet interrelated demands. A form of response to such paradoxes is transcendence. Currently, there is limited understanding of the concept among researchers. Using concepts from the Indian philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, this paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of transcendence, highlight some of the epistemological challenges it presents and suggest ways in which the concept can be used by practitioners and ambidexterity researchers.Design/methodology/approach The paper uses concepts and theories from advaitic episteme to look at concepts of paradox and transcendence. The method of adhyaropa–apavada is introduced as a way to help individuals get a transcendental perspective of paradoxes. The application of the method is demonstrated using secondary data from published research on ambidexterity management.Findings It is postulated that transcendence is an “intuitive experience” born out of reflexive thinking. The dialectic of adhyaropa–apavada (affirmation followed by recension) is suggested as a pedagogical tool that can promote reflexive thinking.Originality/value The paper significantly adds to the theoretical understanding of paradoxes and transcendence in ambidexterity literature. The paper also makes a strong pedagogical contribution to literature by suggesting the dialectic of adhyaropa–apavada that can be used by managers to promote reflexive thinking among subordinates when faced with paradoxical situations.
VL  - 26
IS  - 4
SN  - 0969-6474
DO  - 10.1108/TLO-04-2018-0052
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-04-2018-0052
AU  - Kakkar Shiva
PY  - 2019
Y1  - 2019/01/01
TI  - The goblet and two faces: Understanding transcendence and paradox from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta
T2  - The Learning Organization
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 412
EP  - 424
Y2  - 2024/04/27
ER  -