Ambidexterity Theory Research Articles

The Twin Transformation: Navigating Digitalization and Sustainability in Taiwan’s Public Library System

ABSTRACT This study examines the twin transformation of digitalization and sustainability within Taiwan’s public library system using ambidexterity theory. Through a case study approach, it explores how public libraries balance digital innovation with the optimization of sustainable practices, analyzing their impact on operations, services, and resource management. Focusing on Taiwan’s public library system, the research identifies best practices for integrating these initiatives. By applying ambidexterity theory, the study offers insights into how libraries can innovate while maintaining traditional functions, fostering social equity, and reducing environmental impact, providing guidance for global libraries navigating technological and sustainable transitions.

Reexamining the relationship between knowledge paradox and collaborative performance

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate how knowledge paradox affects collaboration performance. Knowledge paradox, which arises from the simultaneous need for knowledge sharing and protection, is common in interorganizational collaboration. Using the ambidexterity perspective, this paper aims to reexamine the effect of the knowledge paradox on collaborative performance to explore the moderating roles of structural and contextual ambidexterity. Design/methodology/approach This study used a sample of 153 firms involved in vertical and horizontal collaboration, collected via questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis. Findings This study demonstrates that the stronger the knowledge paradox is, the higher the potential for value creation. Thus, knowledge paradox has a positive impact on collaborative performance. The functions of structural ambidexterity and contextual ambidexterity strengthen this positive relationship. Originality/value This paper not only expands the theoretical application of the knowledge paradox and ambidexterity theory in the context of interorganizational relationships but also provides significant managerial implications. By comprehending the dynamics of the knowledge paradox and the role of ambidexterity, managers can make well-informed decisions to enhance their collaborative performance.

Does the Imbalance of ESG Activities Affect Company Performance? -- Evidence from Chinese A-share Listed Companies from 2018-2022

In recent years, the concept of sustainable development has progressively gained traction among the populace, with the performance of enterprises in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) aspects attracting widespread attention from various sectors of society. The weighting of E, S, and G components varies across domestic and international ESG rating agencies, often resulting in significantly divergent weighted ESG scores. Leveraging the theory of organizational ambidexterity, this paper empirically investigates the impact of discrepancies between institutional ESG scores and equally weighted ESG scores on company performance, utilizing a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies spanning the years 2018 to 2022. Our findings reveal that equally weighted ESG scores exhibit a correlation with company performance, and a higher positive percentage difference between a company's rating agency ESG scores and its equally weighted ESG scores is associated with lower performance. This suggests that the rating agency weighting method may inadvertently encourage companies to engage in "greenwashing." This conclusion remains consistent after conducting robustness tests. Heterogeneity analysis further indicates that the negative impact of this difference on company performance is more pronounced among non-state-owned companies, manufacturing companies, and small companies. The mechanism of action test reveals that this difference negatively affects company performance by exacerbating financing constraints and reducing operating efficiency.

Relationship between the informal social networks and entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese college students: the mediating role of entrepreneurial learning

PurposeMany studies on entrepreneurial intention have explored the impact of different factors; however, few have examined the relationship between and impact mechanisms of informal social networks and entrepreneurial intention. This study aimed to bridge this research gap.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on social capital and ambidexterity theories. After surveying the data of 302 college students from different provinces and universities in China, a mediation model for research is constructed.FindingsInformal social networks help enhance college students’ entrepreneurial intentions, whereas entrepreneurial learning (exploratory and exploitative learning) partially mediates this relationship.Originality/valueThis study empirically explores the impact of informal social networks on the entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese college students and indicates the crucial role played by entrepreneurial learning (divided into exploratory and exploitative learning).

Marketing exploitation and exploration in export companies: The moderating effect of organisational formalisation

Purpose: This study investigated the roles of marketing exploitation and exploration as strategies in export companies and examines how the organisational formalisation influences their impacts on export performance.Design/methodology/approach: To test the hypotheses, the study conducted surveys on 150 large export companies in China. A regression analysis, including interaction terms to both, has been conducted to test the main effect, the impact of marketing exploitation and marketing exploration on export performance and the moderation effect of organisational formalisation.Findings/results: Empirically, results show that marketing exploitation and marketing exploration are positively related to export performance, which indicate the importance of both marketing strategies in the global market. Further, the effects of marketing exploitation and exploration are contingent on organisational formalisation. Specifically, the results reveal that organisational formalisation has an inverted U-shaped moderation effect on the relationship between marketing exploitation and export performance but a U-shaped moderation effect on the relationship between marketing exploration and export performance.Practical implications: This study provides valuable implications for the exporters on how to enhance performance. In terms of strategy planning, both marketing exploitation and exploration strategies are vital to the export performance. Moreover, managers should align their exploitation-exploration strategies with formalisation.Originality/value: This study contributes to the marketing ambidexterity theory and international marketing strategy related theory by illustrating the vital role of organisational formalisation in shaping the efficacy of exploitative and explorative strategies in the export market.

Artificial intelligence in talent acquisition: exploring organisational and operational dimensions

PurposeWith the recent proliferation of AI, organisations are transforming not only their organisational design but also the input and output operational processes of the hiring process. The purpose of this paper is to explore the organisational and operational dimensions resulting from the deployment of AI during talent acquisition process.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted semi-structured interviews and meetings with human resources (HRs) professionals, recruiters and AI hiring platform providers in Sweden. Using an inductive data analysis rooted in the principles of grounded theory, the study uncovered four aggregate dimensions critical to understanding the role of AI in talent acquisition.FindingsWith insights from algorithmic management and ambidexterity theory, the study presents a comprehensive theoretical framework that highlights four aggregate dimensions describing AI’s transformative role in talent recruitment. The results provide a cautionary perspective, advising against an excessive emphasis on operational performance driven solely by algorithmic management.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited in scope and subject to several constraints. Firstly, the sample size and diversity are restricted, as the findings are based on a limited number of semi-structured interviews and meetings with HRs professionals, recruiters, and AI hiring platform providers. Secondly, the rapid evolution of AI technologies means that the study’s findings may quickly become outdated as new advancements and applications emerge.Practical implicationsThe results provide managers with actionable information that can lead to more precise and strategic management practices, ultimately contributing to improved organizational performance and outcomes. Plus, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions, optimize processes and address challenges effectively.Social implicationsThe results signal both positive and negative impacts on employment opportunities. On the positive side, AI can streamline recruitment processes, making it easier for qualified candidates to be identified and hired quickly. However, AI systems can also perpetuate existing biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to unfair hiring practices where certain groups are systematically disadvantaged.Originality/valueBy examining the balance between transactional efficiency and relational engagement, the research addresses a crucial trade-off that organizations face when implementing AI in recruitment. The originality lies in its critique of the prevailing emphasis on e-recruiting.

Linking ambidextrous forms of leadership, knowledge, organisational cultures and learning by higher education institutions: Insights from a survey of administrators

ABSTRACT This article aims to examine the relationship between ambidextrous organisational cultures and ambidextrous learning by higher education institutions, and to scrutinise how the ambidextrous leadership and knowledge of these institutions relate to their ambidextrous cultures. Survey data from 474 university administrators within the Gulf Cooperation Council region, serve as the basis for empirical insights based on structural equation modelling. Survey responses show significant and positive correlation between ambidextrous organisational culture and ambidextrous learning, and additionally reveal that ambidextrous knowledge and ambidextrous leadership significantly and positively relate to ambidextrous organisational cultures. By including ambidextrous forms of culture, leadership, and knowledge constructs to explain ambidextrous learning by organisations, this study makes contributions to organisational ambidexterity theory. Theoretically, this article adds to understanding on the determinants of ambidextrous learning by providing evidence of a culture-learning praxis, while managerially, the article urges for ambidextrous culture-oriented approaches to academic staff development.

Unleashing the power of green innovations: the role of organizational ambidexterity and green culture in achieving corporate sustainability

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of organizational ambidexterity (OA) and organizational green culture (OGC) on corporate sustainability (CS) while incorporating the mediating role of green innovation (GI) to provide a detailed insight into CS. The study also presents a research framework based on the Organizational Ambidexterity theory and Natural Resource-based view to explain the factors contributing to CS.Design/methodology/approachUsing stratified sampling, the study collected data through survey-based empirical research from 307 textile companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) or the All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). The collected data were analysed using path analysis, mediation analysis and moderation analysis through smart PLS-SEM version 4.0 to assess the composition and causal association of factors.FindingsThe study found a significant relationship between OA and OGC with CS. Furthermore, the study revealed that green innovation partially mediates the relationship between OGC and CS. The proposed research framework can be valuable for promoting and recommending actions to enhance CS.Research limitations/implicationsThe study on CS in the textile sector of Pakistan has limitations such as a narrow focus, cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should explore additional factors, conduct longitudinal research, investigate contextual factors, scrutinize specific green innovation practices and broaden the scope of the study to include SMEs and other textile organizations.Practical implicationsThe research framework can help senior executives to foster CS by promoting OGC, OA and GI. Practitioners and academicians can also utilize or further investigate the proposed framework for validation and to foster CS.Originality/valueThis study fills gaps in the existing literature by investigating the mediating effect of GI between OGC and CS. The proposed research framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to CS based on the Organizational Ambidexterity theory and Natural Resource-based view.

Emotional Compass: Exploring the Socio-Emotional Wealth's Role in Guiding Change Implementation in Family Enterprises!

This research delves into the intricate impact of socio-emotional wealth (SEW) on the behavioral patterns of family firms during the implementation of organizational change. Employing the ambidexterity theory as a conceptual framework, the study scrutinizes 200 responses from proprietors and managers of family firms through a vignette-based investigation. The outcomes illuminate SEW as a pivotal guiding principle and determinant in the decision-making processes related to change. SEW is identified not only as an originating factor but also as a resultant outcome of change dynamics. Family firms demonstrate a propensity to embrace change in anticipation of potential advantages in terms of SEW, juxtaposed with a hesitancy when confronted with perceived risks. Furthermore, the study underscores a continuous reciprocal influence that characterizes the dynamic interplay between SEW and change. This influence extends beyond specific stages, permeating strategic and operational realms within the organizational context.

Building sustainable performance in the maritime industry via digital resources and innovation

Given the growing limelight on digital revolution and sustainability in the maritime industry, this paper aims to investigate the overlaps and interconnectedness of these two significant topics. Anchored on resource-based view and organisational ambidexterity theories, this study investigates the influence of key technical and social digital resources on exploratory and exploitative innovation capabilities and sustainable performance of maritime companies. This study also analyses the direct effects of innovation constructs and the indirect effects of digital resources on sustainable performance. Survey data were collected from 164 maritime professionals from various functions and sectors in the maritime industry. The structural equation modelling analysis revealed that all identified digital resources have a significant, positive correlation with innovation constructs, as well as a positive indirect effect on sustainable performance. Furthermore, as compared to exploitative innovation, exploratory innovation generates a greater positive effect on sustainable performance. This study enriches theoretical research by enhancing the understanding of resource-based view and organisational ambidexterity. It also explores the tensions between exploratory and exploitative innovation, as well as the definition of sustainable performance. It offers managerial implications by recommending how the management can utilise technical and social digital resources and innovation to improve sustainable performance via better long-term planning and corporate decisions. In addition, this study also enables firms to prioritise their allocation of resources where finances or manpower are scarce.

Configurations of Ambidextrous Innovation and Its Performance Implication in the Context of Digital Transformation

Although previous studies have predominantly dealt with innovation ambidexterity, they have only focused on a single innovation activity and overlooked the interaction of innovation activities. Drawing on organizational ambidexterity theory, this study established four types of innovation configurations: dual exploration (technology exploration and business model exploration), business model leveraging (technology exploration and business model exploitation), technology leveraging (technology exploitation and business model exploration), and dual exploitation (technology exploitation and business model exploitation). Using the panel data of 613 listed manufacturing firms in China, this study examined whether and how configurations of ambidextrous innovation affect firm performance in the context of digital transformation. Empirical results provide evidence that a dual exploration and technology leveraging strategy has a positive impact on firm performance, while a dual exploitation and business model leveraging strategy has the opposite effect and is subject to the moderating influence of the level of digitalization. Under high levels of digitalization, the positive effect of the dual exploration strategy on firm performance becomes more significant, while the effects of others are weakened. This study contributes to the organizational ambidexterity literature by providing a finer-grained understanding of the effect of ambidextrous innovation from a configurational perspective. This study also contributes to the digitalization transformation literature by revealing the moderating role of digitalization.

How to promote ambidextrous innovation through integration with supply chain partners? The role of external knowledge acquisition and cooperative goal interdependence

ABSTRACT In today’s fiercely competitive environment, integration with supply chain partners and the acquisition of external knowledge have become increasingly important strategies for mitigating the resource tension between exploration and exploitation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between supply chain external (suppliers and customers) integration and ambidextrous innovation, with a focus on the mediating effect of external knowledge acquisition and the moderating effect of cooperative goal interdependence based on Chinese firm-level data. The empirical results of this study reveal several important findings. First, supplier integration and customer integration have positive effects on ambidextrous innovation. Second, supplier integration and customer integration are more beneficial for ambidextrous innovation in firms holding higher cooperative goal interdependence with both suppliers and customers than in firms holding lower cooperative goal interdependence with both suppliers and customers. Finally, external knowledge acquisition partially mediates the effects of supplier integration and customer integration on ambidextrous innovation. These findings provide top managers with important insights into the role of supply chain external integration in the promotion of ambidextrous innovation. This research also contributes to the literature on ambidexterity theory and enriches the knowledge management literature within the supply chain management framework.

Does learning ambidexterity affect the sense of urban integration among new-generation migrant workers in China? An empirical study based on career growth and environmental dynamism

AbstractThe urban integration of new-generation migrant workers is an important part of the process of new urbanization in China, and the acquisition of a sense of urban integration is one of the necessary signs of urban integration for new-generation migrant workers. Based on ambidexterity theory, we used a multiple regression analysis to study the mechanism underlying the effects of learning ambidexterity on the sense of urban integration of new-generation migrant workers. The empirical results showed that learning ambidexterity had significant and positive effects on both sense of urban integration and career growth; career growth had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between learning ambidexterity and sense of urban integration; environmental dynamism had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between exploratory learning and career growth; and environmental dynamism had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between exploitative learning and sense of urban integration. This study responds to previous research on the ambidexterity of migrant workers and further enriches the ambidexterity theory in research on migrant workers from the perspectives of career growth and urban integration. And in contrast to earlier studies, this research introduces environmental dynamism and establishes an analysis framework for migrant worker urban integration in a dynamic environment.

The Multifaceted Role of Social Capital for Achieving Organizational Ambidexterity and Supply Chain Resilience

With the increasing frequency and impact of disruptions (i.e., in the wake of COVID 19, Suez Canal blockage), researchers and practitioners are faced with an ongoing challenge to enable supply chain resilience. Drawing on the theory of paradox and ambidexterity, this study highlights paradoxes in enabling supply chain resilience and proposes that firms manage such paradoxes by developing an ambidexterity capability. We build a research model hypothesizing the role of social capital that enables organizational ambidexterity to realize supply chain resilience. The model is tested using structural equation modeling comprising survey data of 204 Pakistani manufacturing firms. Based on the results of this article, our overall model finds support with the exception that cognitive capital is not related to ambidexterity. This research contributes to the further conceptualization of paradoxes in supply chain resilience and advances the theory for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of organizational social capital on ambidexterity.

Unpacking associations between positive-negative valence and ambidexterity of big data. Implications for firm performance

Motivated by the importance of big data utilization and its impact on firm performance, the current study examines the influence of the perceived valence factors of the top management team (TMT) on the ambidexterity of big data utilization and firm performance. Despite the growing recognition of the significance of ambidexterity and the role of TMTs in leveraging big data, there remains a lack of empirical research that comprehensively examines the associations between TMT valence factors, the ambidexterity of big data utilization, and firm performance. By integrating valence theory and ambidexterity theory, this study fills this research gap and provides valuable insights into the relationship between TMT valence factors, big data utilization, and firm performance outcomes. Data were collected from 357 respondents, and the findings indicate that positive TMT valence factors – such as data proficiency, industry expertise, and knowledge diversity – as well as negative valence factors – such as data compatibility, complexity, and benefit disconfirmation – are negatively associated with ambidexterity. Furthermore, the findings of our study have important implications for organizations seeking to enhance their operational and financial performance through the effective utilization of big data. Notably, our results highlight that promoting ambidexterity in handling big data within firms results in improved operational and financial outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into the relatively unexplored area of TMT valence factors and their impact on driving ambidexterity in big data utilization, ultimately leading to enhanced organizational performance.

Entrepreneurial culture and disruptive innovation in established firms – how to handle ambidexterity

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of strategies for how established companies can respond to disruptive innovation, handle increasing complexity, facilitate entrepreneurial culture and processes and successfully manage organizational ambidexterity.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative multiple-case study was conducted to explore successful practices of innovation ambidexterity (IA) and their organizational design, entrepreneurial culture and mindset, processes and leadership. Two internationally established firms that have launched and established IA programs provided deep insight, revealing their strategy and learning on the path toward effective IA.FindingsThe findings show that accepting and managing the inherent complexity increases within an ambidextrous organization strategy is a decisive factor in achieving effective IA. As a result, segmenting small organizational units and granting them extensive autonomy is proposed for managing the complexity of an organization while increasing its effectiveness. Furthermore, it is shown that this helps foster entrepreneurial culture, mindsets and processes as additional mediators for achieving effective IA. Coaching, empowerment and trust were identified as key factors of ambidextrous leadership values that encourage entrepreneurial behavior and decision-making.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors knowledge the first study connecting the research fields of complexity management, organizational ambidexterity theory and entrepreneurial culture while applying the fundamentals of systems theory to propose a practical management framework for successfully responding to disruptive innovation.

MNEs' capabilities and their sustainable business in emerging markets: Evidence from MNE subsidiaries in China

This study aims to identify the causal relationship between innovation ambidexterity and multinational enterprises' (MNEs) sustainable performance. It emphasizes how innovation ambidexterity driven by dynamic capabilities can allow MNE subsidiaries to achieve social and environmental performances. Additionally, we asserted the moderating impacts of host governments' pressures on the association between dynamic capability and innovation ambidexterity. We evaluated our hypotheses using a dataset consisting of 228 MNE manufacturing subsidiaries in China using partial least square-structural equation modeling. Utilizing dynamic capability and ambidexterity theories, our research contributes to the ongoing sustainable performance literature by addressing a growing call to understand how MNE subsidiaries may achieve long-term sustainability when conducting business abroad.

Environmental catastrophes and organizational ambidexterity: lessons from the Covid-19 experience

PurposeTaking an organizational perspective, this paper aims to understand how organizations respond to such strong and concurrent societal effects, and to answer the question, “How should researchers conceptualize the symbiotic relationship between society and business during a catastrophic societal event?”Design/methodology/approachThe authors highlight through numerous examples, the impact of COVID-19 on society is well-evidenced in the research. They also draw on such evidence of the effects of catastrophic societal events like COVID-19 to support the appropriateness of this conceptualization.FindingsThe authors found that organizations that use both short- and long-term activities concurrently are better able to tackle the concurrent short- and long-term effects of catastrophic events like COVID-19.Originality/valueThe authors use ambidexterity theory, supported by evidence derived from organizational responses to COVID-19, to offer a new and more comprehensive conceptualization that frames the concurrent and interrelated short-term and long-term organizational response to a catastrophic societal event. Further, they highlight the importance of studying such organizational responses in the context of the organization’s referent groups.

Building Parallel Supply Chains: How the Manufacturing Location Decision Influences Supply Chain Ambidexterity

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to examine how managers can develop ‘parallel’ supply chains to overcome the efficiency/flexibility trade‐offs of offshored versus reshored/nearshored production. Primary evidence is gathered from 22 field interviews with eight companies from multiple countries, all operating in the textile and apparel industry. The interview data is triangulated using a cross‐industry focus group with 28 participants and secondary sources including company annual reports and website information. The study contributes to organizational ambidexterity theory by identifying how companies embed structural ambidexterity in their supply chains, and in so doing create ‘parallel supply chains’. Our findings show that companies partition their production in terms of width (meaning that specific product lines were relocated) and depth (meaning that specific production activities were relocated). Companies then use a mix of offshored production facilities to manufacture low‐margin, long‐lead‐time products as well as reshored/nearshored production facilities to make high‐margin, quick‐response items. The ability to swap production volumes between parallel supply chains enables supply chain ambidexterity, which in turn allows companies to exploit efficiency and flexibility benefits simultaneously. Managers are provided with an empirically informed, step‐by‐step framework for developing structural ambidexterity and building parallel supply chains.

A configurational analysis of innovation ambidexterity: evidence from Chinese niche leaders

PurposeInnovation ambidexterity is crucial for fostering growth and gaining a competitive advantage in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Previous research indicates that achieving a balance between exploration and exploitation is a multifaceted phenomenon occurring across various levels. This paper aims to examine the influence of individual, organizational and institutional factors on the ambidextrous innovation of Chinese niche leaders using a configurational perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses secondary data collected from 69 Chinese niche leaders in the new equipment manufacturing industry. The authors use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate how owner openness, age, digitization, the formal institutional environment and the informal institutional environment jointly influence innovation ambidexterity.FindingsBy using fuzzy set analysis, this study categorizes combinations of interdependent factors that promote innovation ambidexterity. In particular, the authors pinpoint three configurations that foster high innovation ambidexterity and two configurations that lack such high levels of innovation ambidexterity. The analysis results suggest that innovation paradoxes in SMEs are linked to a nested system comprising leadership, organizational factors and the institutional environment.Originality/valueThis study elucidates the mechanism of innovation ambidexterity through a configurational perspective. This research proposes and validates a framework that enables SMEs to develop ambidextrous innovation capabilities, thereby integrating organizational ambidexterity theory and shedding light on the intricately complex nature of innovation ambidexterity.