Paradoxical leadership: a bibliometric analysis and research agenda

Abstract Purpose This study offers an in-depth analysis of the development and relevance of paradoxical leadership through a bibliometric approach, aiming to map the evolution of research, key trends, significant contributors, and emerging themes in this field. Paradoxical leadership, as an adaptive leadership style, has proven to play a critical role in fostering organizational resilience, agility, and innovation, making it highly relevant in today’s dynamic and challenging era. Methodology This study utilized the Scopus database to analyze literature on paradoxical leadership. An initial search using the keyword “paradoxical leadership” yielded 531 documents. Refining the results to English-language publications from 2000 to 2024 reduced the number to 498. A final screening based on the keywords “Leadership,” “Paradox,” and “Paradoxical Leadership” further narrowed the dataset to 213 relevant documents. Results The research indicates a significant increase in publications after 2020, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of paradoxical leadership in fields such as organizational behavior and management. The study also notes that disciplines such as business, management, and psychology are the primary contributors, while other sectors, such as healthcare and environmental sciences, have begun to show interest in this approach. The trends identified in this research include key themes such as OCB, psychological safety, team performance, and innovation, highlighting the appeal and practical applications of paradoxical leadership in various interdisciplinary contexts. Furthermore, the analysis reveals influential authors, institutions, and countries in this research area, as well as collaborative networks that demonstrate the collective and global nature of studies on paradoxical leadership. Implication From a practical perspective, this study underscores the importance of fostering paradoxical leadership behaviors to create inclusive, innovative, and sustainable work environments. Leaders capable of effectively managing contradictions can drive collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being, ultimately supporting organizational success in rapidly changing market dynamics.