Organizational Ambidexterity. A Managerial Act of Balance

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• PART I - PRAELUDIUM. WHY IS THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVE RELEVANT AND WHAT ARE THE UNDERLYING CONCEPTS OF THE FIELD?
• 1 Relevance of the Research Objective-Organizational Pursuit of Long-Term Success
• 2 Assertion of the Research Objectives and Outline of the Thesis Structure
• 2.1 Research Objectives
• 2.2 Outline of the Thesis
• 3 The Underlying Concepts and a Historical Approach
• 3.1 Development of a First Understanding for Ambidexterity
• 3.1.1 Structural Ambidexterity
• 3.1.2 Contextual Ambidexterity
• 3.2 Ambidexterity and Firm Performance
• PART II – A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT AMBIDEXTERITY RESEARCH FIELD. WHAT REALLY IS AMBIDEXTERITY?
• 4 Topology of the Relevant Literature
• 4.1 Analytical Framework
• 4.1.1 Paper Selection
• 4.1.2 Pattern of the Scientific Field
• 4.2 Definition Dissention
• 4.3 Multiple Perspectives of Ambidexterity Research
• 4.4 Different Level Approach of Ambidexterity
• 5 Tensions in the Integration of Ambidexterity
• 5.1 Introducing Exploration and Exploitation – Components of Ambidexterity
• 5.2 Challenge of Achieving a Balance
• 5.3 Dangers of a Disequilibrium
• 6 Influencing Factors of Ambidexterity – Painting a Big Picture
• 6.1 Resource Related Factors
• 6.1.1 Knowledge
• 6.1.2 Other Resources
• 6.2 Contextual Factors
• 6.3 Structural Factors
• 6.3.1 Corporate Attributes
• 6.3.2 Organizational Characteristics
• 6.4 Environmental Factors
• 6.5 Interpretation
• 7 Deficits of the Ambidexterity Research Field
• 7.1 Missing Definition Unity
• 7.1.1 Lack of Ambidexterity Definition Unity
• 7.1.2 Lack of Exploration and Exploitation Definition Unity
• 7.2 Ambidexterity is Typically Seen as an Organizational Approach
• 7.3 Structural and Contextual Ambidexterity are Treated Separately
• 7.4 Ambidexterity is Mostly Seen as a Static Model
• 7.5 Literature Field Lacks an International Dimension of Research
• 7.6 Defining Ambidexterity – Towards a Unified Understanding
• PART III - IMPLICATIONS OF THE THESIS. HOW CAN THIS KNOWLEDGE BE EMPLOYED?
• 8 Managerial Implications
• 9 Scientific Implications
• 10 Limitations and Avenues for Future Research

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This bachelor thesis aims to review, organize, and integrate existing research on organizational ambidexterity. It seeks to answer three key research questions:

• What is the current state of the art of the ambidexterity concept?
• What are the underlying problems that result in stagnation in research progress in this field?
• How can managers learn from the ambidexterity research?

The key themes explored in the thesis include:

• The exploration-exploitation dilemma
• The importance of balancing exploration and exploitation for long-term success
• The influence of various organizational factors on ambidexterity
• The shortcomings of the ambidexterity literature field
• The implications of ambidexterity research for managers and future research.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1 introduces the relevance of ambidexterity for organizations seeking long-term success. It explores the consequences of failing to adapt to changing market demands and highlights successful companies that demonstrate the ability to adapt and innovate.

Chapter 2 outlines the research objectives and the structure of the thesis. It clarifies the key research questions addressed in the study and presents a comprehensive overview of the thesis's organization.

Chapter 3 delves into the underlying concepts of ambidexterity. It examines the historical development of the concept, focusing on the contributions of Duncan (1976), March (1991), and Tushman and O'Reilly (1996). It explores the distinction between structural and contextual ambidexterity and analyzes the relationship between ambidexterity and firm performance.

Chapter 4 provides a thorough review of the relevant literature. It examines the structure of the ambidexterity research field and highlights the different definitions and perspectives prevalent in the literature.

Chapter 5 explores the tensions involved in integrating exploration and exploitation within an organization. It examines the characteristics of exploration and exploitation, the challenges associated with achieving a balance between these two activities, and the risks of an imbalance.

Chapter 6 develops an overarching model that encompasses various influencing factors and moderators of ambidexterity. It analyzes the impact of resource related factors, contextual factors, structural factors, and environmental factors on the ability of an organization to achieve ambidexterity.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of the thesis are organizational ambidexterity, exploration, exploitation, dynamic capabilities, organizational learning, firm performance, structural ambidexterity, contextual ambidexterity, and strategic management. The thesis also addresses important themes such as environmental dynamism, absorptive capacity, knowledge transfer, resource interdependency, and leadership styles.