Chronos, Kairos, Shi and Taiji - Temporal Ambidexterity in Program Management

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70301/CONF.SBS-JABR.2025.1/1.6

Keywords:

Kairos, Chronos, temporal ambidexterity, program management, Shi, Taiji, complexity, adaptability, program governance, decision making

Abstract

This paper critiques the dominance of linear time (Chronos) in program management and introduces the Temporal Governance Framework (TGF), which combines Chronos, Kairos (opportune timing), Taiji logic (decision timing), and Shi (strategic momentum). The aim is to reframe how we think about time in programs to enhance adaptability and governance. Using a conceptual and theoretical perspective, the paper draws on philosophy, project management, strategy, and cross-cultural studies. It synthesizes Eastern and Western views of time, illustrated with real-world program examples. Effective program governance requires temporal ambidexterity—the ability to manage structured timelines while capitalizing on emerging opportunities and adapting to changing contexts. The TGF presents a quatro-temporal model (Chronos, Kairos, Taijo, Shi) for navigating complexity. The framework guides leadership, governance structures, and adaptive decision-making. It emphasizes the integration of temporal awareness into organizational processes and training. Future research should examine the practical application of this approach across various program contexts. Introducing the Temporal Governance Framework, which uniquely integrates Western (Chronos, Kairos) and Eastern (Shi, Taiji) temporal logics into program management, offering a novel cross-cultural and ambidextrous perspective on time in program governance and leadership.

Author Biography

  • Thomas Walenta, SBS Swiss Business School

    Thomas Walenta has worked on projects and programs since 1974 and selected project management as his profession in 1988.

     

    He is a coach and mentor for project management professionals and companies. He worked for IBM, where he gained experience in setting up complex programs, running PMOs, and turning around troubled projects for IBM clients across diverse industries and geographies. Alongside his professional work, he has volunteered in project management since 1998, serving as PMI Chapter President and PMI Board Director, and he received the PMI Fellow award in 2012. He is a frequent speaker at global conferences and has been published in several media outlets. In 2017, he obtained a diploma as a non-executive director from IoD, UK, completing six years as a director on PMI’s Global Board.

     

    Thomas Walenta has over 50 years of experience working on projects, with 36 years in project leadership and 21 years in program management. He initiated and managed PMOs, programs, and projects for IBM customers in system integration, software, outsourcing, and strategy. He delivered turnkey projects, rolled out SAP across European country organizations, engaged in and delivered large outsourcing contracts, and integrated the full portfolio of IBM solutions into a key account role. He recently supported a German manufacturer in establishing organization-wide portfolio management and setting up a hybrid PMO that catered to agile and traditional projects. His cultural experience spans government, insurance, banking, electronics, and automotive industries and geographically includes most European countries, Russia, Japan, India, and the US. He has visited approximately 100 countries.

     

    In parallel, Thomas Walenta built a career as a volunteer at the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org) starting in 1998. He led the PMI Frankfurt Chapter for nearly eight years and served two terms on the global Board of Directors (2006-2008 and 2017-2019). His volunteer career reached a milestone with the PMI Fellow Award in 2012, which has been granted to only 80 individuals in more than 30 years. From 2011 to 2016, he served on PMI's Ethics Review Committee, addressing ethics complaints and violations. He has been a member of PMI since 1992 and of GPM (IPMA) since 1995.

     

    In addition to working for IBM and volunteering for PMI, he has managed his own business since 2001, taught project management at two universities from 2002 to 2022, and accepted engagements for strategic project management consulting. He is a professional speaker who has been invited to more than 100 conferences and webinars globally and has published articles and book chapters on project management topics.

     

    He is one of the few global and industry advisors for the independent PM World Journal (http://pmworldjournal.net/team/global-advisors-pm-profession/). Mr. Walenta proudly mentors about 15 individuals around the world.

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Additional Files

Published

14.01.2026

Issue

13th SBS International Research Conference 2025

Section

Conference papers 13th SBS International Research Conference

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How to Cite

Chronos, Kairos, Shi and Taiji - Temporal Ambidexterity in Program Management. (2026). SBS Journal of Applied Business Research, 81-98. https://doi.org/10.70301/CONF.SBS-JABR.2025.1/1.6

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