Tensions are a major source of communication problems, coordination issues, and conflict in globally distributed work. In this article, we argue that extant literature falls short of addressing tensions in globally distributed work at two levels. First, it fails to fully account for the intrinsic and entrenched nature of tensions in globally distributed work, suggesting instead that they can be resolved or made to disappear. Second, it does not examine the key interactions among different kinds of tensions. Drawing on qualitative data from a distributed finance organization and applying concepts from paradox theory, we show how globally distributed units negotiate knowledge, power, and identity tensions in collaborative work. The findings illuminate how a sequential enactment of both formal and informal solutions can better address tensions and generate collaborative opportunities in globally distributed work. Building on the findings, we develop a phasal model of tension evolution and management in globally distributed work which explains how tensions evolve from a phase of suppression through to a phase of attenuation. We demonstrate the interactions of knowledge–power–identity tensions against a background of defensive, interactive, and collaborative behaviors, and suggest several practical implications for globally distributed work practice.

中文翻译：

---

悖论和全球分布式工作中的紧张局势谈判

在全球分布的工作中，紧张是沟通问题、协调问题和冲突的主要来源。在本文中，我们认为现有文献未能在两个层面解决全球分布式工作中的紧张局势。首先，它没有充分解释全球分布工作中紧张的内在和根深蒂固的性质，相反，它表明它们可以得到解决或消失。其次，它没有考察不同类型紧张局势之间的关键相互作用。利用来自分布式金融组织的定性数据并应用悖论理论中的概念，我们展示了全球分布的单位如何在协作工作中协商知识、权力和身份紧张。研究结果阐明了正式和非正式解决方案的顺序制定如何更好地解决紧张局势并在全球分布的工作中创造协作机会。在研究结果的基础上，我们在全球分布式工作中开发了一个紧张演变和管理的阶段模型，它解释了紧张如何从抑制阶段演变为衰减阶段。我们展示了知识-权力-身份紧张关系在防御性、互动性和协作性行为的背景下的相互作用，并提出了对全球分布式工作实践的几个实际影响。我们在全球分布的工作中开发了一个紧张演变和管理的阶段模型，它解释了紧张如何从抑制阶段演变到衰减阶段。我们展示了知识-权力-身份紧张关系在防御性、互动性和协作性行为的背景下的相互作用，并提出了对全球分布式工作实践的几个实际影响。我们在全球分布的工作中开发了一个紧张演变和管理的阶段模型，它解释了紧张如何从抑制阶段演变到衰减阶段。我们展示了知识-权力-身份紧张关系在防御性、互动性和协作性行为的背景下的相互作用，并提出了对全球分布式工作实践的几个实际影响。