A Typology for Aligning Organizational Ambidexterity's Conceptualizations, Antecedents, and Outcomes

A Typology for Aligning Organizational Ambidexterity's Conceptualizations, Antecedents, and Outcomes

Summary for agile leaders

Conceptual review paper proposing four archetypes of ambidexterity, harmonic, cyclical, partitional, and reciprocal. Differentiating dimensions are time (sequential/simultaneous) and structural (separately/integrally) pursuit of ambidextrous goals.
Provides a valuable summary of 48 papers by tradeoffs, antecedents, key issue (focus), and outcomes, which I have converted into a single table. This is a useful taxonomy. For example:

Reviewed: 29 Dec 2022 by Russ Lewis
Request full analysis of this paper 
Authors: 
Zeki Simsek, Ciaran Heavey, John F. Veiga, David Souder
Publication date: 
2009
DOI: 
10.1111/j.1467-6486.2009.00841.x

My classifications

Topics: 
Tags: 

Abstract

We take stock of the current body of knowledge and understanding on organizational ambidexterity to further specify the construct and develop a typology to focus this line of research. To that end, we first synthesize the various insights on ambidexterity's conceptualization in extant research. We then develop a parsimonious, yet coherent typology that delineates four archetypes of ambidexterity using two primary dimensions underlying previous conceptualizations of this construct. To help focus and align extant research, we next map these types onto the most salient theories, antecedents, and outcomes that are uniquely germane to each. Finally, we offer several recommendations and promising avenues for future inquiries that follow from our typology and associated discussion.

Cite as (Harvard referencing)

Simsek, Z., Heavey, C., Veiga, J.F., Souder, D., 2009. A Typology for Aligning Organizational Ambidexterity’s Conceptualizations, Antecedents, and Outcomes. Journal of Management Studies 46, 864–894.

Latest posts

5 Reasons Hanging by a Thread is my new favourite paper!

Read more...
Copyright © Russ G Lewis 2022-2023