Towards an Integrated Framework of Antecedents and Outcomes of Organisational Ambidexterity

Abstract

Ambidexterity is critical for organisations’ technological advancements and competitive advantage. The prior literature is fragmented and uses multiple constructs that impede the development of conceptual understanding and an integrated framework of antecedents and outcomes of organisational ambidexterity. This study uses a systematic review of 47 empirical studies to categorise its antecedents in each stream that relate to the impact of human resources (employee characteristics, social relationships) and organisational (organisational structure and environment) factors on ambidexterity. Further, this study also identifies different research streams that are linked to the outcomes of ambidexterity, such as individual level, team and department level, firm level and organisational level outcomes. The author discusses key findings in relation to their antecedents and outcomes, which will support the conceptual clarity of researchers and practitioners. By using methodological analysis, this review might provide new possibilities for future studies. This study further proposes an integrated framework that elucidates each stream of antecedents and outcomes of ambidexterity. This review provides a conceptual framework and research direction for forthcoming research on ambidexterity.