Orchestrators, Ambassadors, and Brokers: a micro-foundations perspective on informal roles in the enabling of digital ambidexterity in construction

Abstract

Over the last decade, extensive research on digitalization in construction has focused on understanding the challenges and potentials of new digital technologies at both industry and firm levels. Less attention has been dedicated to the underlying micro-foundations required to successfully exploit existing and explore new digital technologies, so-called digital ambidexterity. More specifically, despite awareness of individual workers’ pivotal role in digital transformation, the mundane actions of project practitioners and how these can enable digital ambidexterity have not yet been explored. Therefore, this article aims to increase the understanding of practitioners’ role in enabling digital ambidexterity. Empirically, the study is based on 15 semi-structured interviews, complemented by 5 days of on-site observations and the collection of documents. Through an inductive analysis, the study identifies sixteen practices enacted by three informal roles that are shown to play a key role in the digitalization process. The practices are mapped and aggregated into a process model that explains how the practices are interlinked, enabling digital ambidexterity. The paper provides critical insights into the micro-level capabilities required to enable digital ambidexterity in construction firms.