Organizing for ambidexterity: A paradox-based typology of ambidexterity-related organizational states

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of how organizations become ambidextrous over time, identifying requirements for organizations to become ambidextrous, understanding how ambidexterity may emerge as an organizational property, as well as exploring likely connections of the ambidexterity property and organizing a firm’s activities and work. Conceptualizing the exploration-exploitation relationship as a paradoxical one, we advance two necessary conditions for organizing for ambidexterity: fostering paradox-coping tactics and precluding paradoxrelated traps. The interplay of these two conditions gives rise to a typology of four ambidexterity-related organizational states: ambidexterity-lacking organizations, monolithic organizations, short-term ambidextrous organizations and long-term ambidextrous organizations. The paper identifies each state’s distinct strengths and challenges concerning organizing for ambidexterity, and discusses theoretical, practical and policy-making implications.