The evolving role of management scholars in business schools is becoming increasingly focused on research impact, particularly in addressing society’s grand challenges. However, scholars pursuing impactful careers face seemingly contradictory demands in balancing science and activism. This study aims to understand how management scholars pursuing impactful careers navigate the paradox of science and activism. By examining the experiences of 22 early-career management scholars pursuing impactful careers, the study identifies presenting dilemmas, three phases of experiencing the paradox (i.e., inquiring, immersing, and introspecting), and zooms into the transition points between phases. Thereby, it contributes to the literature on paradox by revealing the interplay between the salience and intensity of experiencing paradox. It also contributes to the discussion on research impact and provides an empirically grounded perspective. Finally, we draw implications by applying paradox theory to foster a constructive debate on how scholars can excel in both scientific and activist roles in the face of grand challenges.
