A process‐temporal perspective on organizational paradoxes: A review and future research agenda

Abstract Scholars are increasingly studying paradox processes, yet insights remain disconnected, with limited discussion across studies’ perspectives. Consequently, research risks underutilizing valuable findings, thereby reducing both theoretical and practical progress. To address this gap, we review empirical process studies of organizational paradoxes published in leading management and organization journals. We develop a framework that explains how time horizons (short, medium and long), process styles (sequential, cyclical and entangled) and temporality shape what becomes visible about organizational paradoxes, drawing implications across microscopic, mesoscopic and panoramic perspectives. Our analysis shows how different process‐temporal configurations reveal distinct dynamics, from micro‐trajectories to historical sedimentation and reactivation. We identify the strengths and limitations of short‐, medium‐ and long‐term studies, as well as cross‐horizon mechanisms for understanding paradox processes. Based on these insights, we draw implications to advance paradox theory and propose a research agenda. We argue that this agenda can guide cumulative theorizing about core paradox constructs and strengthen links between paradox and process scholarship.