Understanding circular economy transition tensions: Exploring e-waste business owners-manager's perspectives from Sri Lanka

The circular economy is positioned as an alternative to the traditional linear economy. Nevertheless, organizations transitioning to circular economy practices often encounter tensions stemming from the paradoxical nature of achieving circularity. Despite its relevance, there is limited understanding of these transition-related tensions within the e-waste sector, particularly in the Sri Lankan context. This study adopts a qualitative single case study approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions conducted at e-waste business sites in Sri Lanka. Guided by paradox theory, the research explores the distinct paradoxical tensions experienced by e-waste business owners and managers in Sri Lanka. The findings identify key tensions that hinder the shift towards circular e-waste practices, including performing tensions (e.g., circularity vs. economic viability), belonging tensions (e.g., collective vs. individual circular responsibility), organizing tensions (e.g., government compliance vs. market compliance), and learning tensions (e.g., investing time to learn vs. investing time to earn). By revisiting these established paradox dimensions—performing, belonging, organizing, and learning—this study contributes fresh insights and encourages further exploration of paradox theory in the context of the e-waste sector.