ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how the construct of agency, as a central explanatory mechanism in structurational divergence theory (SDT), can help advance organizational research and practice from a communicative perspective. It explains convergence in SDT further and illustrates it in a discussion of organizational practice and intervention. In short, SDT and the Dynamic Equilibrium Model (DEM) theorize essentially the same phenomenon, with one focusing on destructive cycles and the other on constructive cycles. The DEM is a useful framework to situate SDT as a paradox theory because the DEM is rooted in structuration theory and posits paradox as both ubiquitous and neutral. The SD-cycle is conceptually the same as the DEM's vicious cycle. The DEM suggests that a human action to reject or eliminate paradox creates vicious cycles, whereas the exercise of agency to embrace paradox creates virtuous cycles.
