Moving towards a geocentric, polycultural theory of organizational paradox

Purpose This paper comments on “Global implications of the indigenous epistemological system from the east” ( ), which provides an indigenous Chinese perspective on organizational paradox. Li introduces Yin-Yang balancing as an epistemological system that can help scholars examine and practitioners manage paradoxes. In this commentary, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the merits of Yin-Yang balancing and how this approach and other indigenous theories might enrich organizational paradox theory. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide a commentary and suggestions for future research. The authors distinguish between Yin-Yang balancing as a normative theory, a meta-theory and a lay theory. The authors encourage both geocentrism and polycentrism as goals for future paradox research, enabling attention to the diversity of ideas across and within varied cultures. Originality/value The commentary connects Yin-Ying balancing with extant research on organizational paradox.