Discursive manifestations of contradictions in organizational change efforts : A methodological framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new methodological framework for the identification and analysis of different types of discursive manifestations of contradictions. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the dialectical tradition of cultural‐historical activity theory. The methodological framework is developed by means of analyzing the entire transcribed corpus of the discourse conducted in a change laboratory intervention consisting of eight sessions and altogether 189,398 words. Findings – Four types of discursive manifestations, namely dilemmas, conflicts, critical conflicts, and double binds, could be effectively identified in the data. Specific linguistic cues were a useful first level of approaching the different types of manifestations. Critical conflicts and double binds were found to be particularly effective lenses on systemic contradictions. Research limitations/implications – The paper points to the need for theoretical and conceptual rigor in studies using the notion of contradiction . Further empirical testing of the framework is needed and may lead to more refined or alternative categories. Practical implications – Dynamics of different organizational change interventions may be effectively analyzed and compared with the help of the framework. Originality/value – The paper presents an original, empirically‐tested methodological framework that may be a valuable resource for analyzes of contradictions driving organizational change.