Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate that contemporary universities may be improved by synthesis of strategic antinomies, i.e. seeking the possibility of combining opposite approaches to solving problems concerning university organization and management. Findings: That approach discounts the importance of building positive relationships between members of staff and undertaking activities intended to create a situation where the sheer joy of work will dominate in universities. This in turn will promote integration of the academic environment and induce employees to strive for mastery to find pleasure and satisfaction rather than to achieve specific effects of their activity, which eventually will lead to better efficiency. The motivation method used at universities to date turns out to be ineffective; therefore, following the positive thinking idea formulated by Martin Seligman, I propose to apply a synthesis of strategic paradoxes observed in universities and use the results to counteract the noticeable distress of academic communities and replace it with positive thinking, consisting of the aspiration to discover and understand phenomena, the sense of belonging to the academic community and building positive relationships with that community. Such an approach is in agreement with the “philosophy” proposing to replace the dictatorial (“tyranny of OR” (either ‘a’ or ‘b’, but not both at the same time with the “genius of the OR” (both ‘a’ and ‘b’), applied by visionary organizations, such as universities should strive to become. Limitations: Conservative views and resistance to change of academic circles hamper research but the openness of the management of (some) universities may break down that resistance, conclusions from analyses require empirical verification. Paper type: Conceptual paper

Citations

Author (1)