The differential effect of exploration and exploitation on work performances

Abstract

In organizations, the role of ambidexterity is becoming critical these days. Flexibility that enables creativity and innovation in work is also important for survival in a wildly competitive market and flexibility determines the economic sustainability of business enterprises. Drawing on the ambidexterity of exploration and exploitation, we believe that there is a fit between each of them and certain tasks, i.e., operational or dynamic works. Thus, the current study will investigate the individual levels of exploratory and exploitative work capability. Most importantly, the complementary relationship between exploration and exploitation and its differential influence on work performance will be specifically evaluated. The current study results show that if the complementary fit of exploration and exploitation is appropriate for the tasks at hand, performance will increase.