New HSG research project dives deeper into the "paradox mindset"

Leaders face a myriad of complex and global challenges: From poverty and inequality to climate change and resource exploitation. The intensity at which these challenges effect our daily lives continues to increase. Leaders, especially those involved in social purpose organizations and nonprofits, are at the forefront of addressing these challenges and often have to choose between their individual well-being and societal well-doing.

Developing a paradox mindset could help them make better decisions

A paradox mindset, defined as the individual ability to embrace tensions and leverage them into beneficial outcomes, can help to deal with increasing stress and complex challenges. The PATH4Well-Being project asks the overarching research question: How can leaders in social purpose organizations develop and sustain a paradox mindset, and (how) can it influence their own and co-workers’ well-being?

The research team includes University of St.Gallen Assistant Professor of Organizational Culture, Leadership and Collaboration Nils Fürstenberg along with Carolin Waldner, ESCP Berlin, Stephanie Schrage, University of Kiel, Camille Pradies, EDHEC, and Susann Fiedler, WU Wien.

Their main research questions include:

• How do people develop a paradox mindset?
• How can leaders in social purpose organizations and beyond be better supported to develop better strategies and mindsets?
• Is it possible to learn paradoxical thinking?
• How can it be trained in a targeted way? 

With the aim to help leaders to develop better strategies and mindsets to effectively pursue organizational goals, the researchers are striving to develop free open access material to help people develop their paradox mindset and improve their well-being and performance in the face of tension.

The team has already started collecting data and hope to present initial findings later in 2026.

Prof. Dr. Nils Fürstenberg is an assistant professor of Organizational Culture, Leadership and Collaboration. His research focus delves into leadership and health and well-being.
 
Image: Adobe Stock / iana_kolesnikova