Exploring the role of core and infrastructure quality management practices in ambidexterity

Abstract

This paper explores the role of core and infrastructure quality management (QM) practices in creating ambidexterity. Based on an extensive literature review, the paper develops propositions about the modus operandi of each type of QM practices in causing ambidexterity. The paper shows that the core QM practices have a direct positive role in ambidexterity, whereas infrastructure QM practices have an indirect positive role through core QM practices. Overall, the paper makes three key contributions: first, it elaborates the role of core and infrastructure QM practices in ambidexterity. Given the fact that the role of QM in ambidexterity is an emerging topic, a discussion on this role is a genuine contribution. Second, the development of propositions is an important milestone towards developing a theory of creating ambidexterity through QM. Third, since the paper elaborates the role of QM practices in each exploitation and exploration, it can provide practical guidance on which practices to be used to support exploration (such as when finding novel solutions to problems) and which practices to be used for exploitation (such as during streamlining processes and increasing efficiency).