Now, switch! Individuals’ responses to imposed switches between exploration and exploitation

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2019.101928Get rights and content
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Abstract

Individual ambidexterity is an important micro-foundation of organizational ambidexterity. However, switching back-and-forth between exploration and exploitation can be challenging for individuals. Prior research has mostly focused on bottom-up approaches to stimulating individual ambidexterity, yet many organizations are characterized by greater top-down control. Exercising control may complicate the pursuit of individual ambidexterity because it amplifies switching resistance. We draw on an observational study of facilitated strategy workshops to explore the role of switching resistance and steps that can be taken to deal with it in top-down settings. Our findings suggest that imposing switches on individuals tends to trigger a distinct pattern of behavioral responses. Furthermore, we find that increasing control and offering emotional support can reduce switching resistance and help individuals execute ambidextrous work tasks. Our study contributes to the literature on individual ambidexterity by extending it from bottom-up to top-down settings. Specifically, we identify emotional, cognitive and behavioral drivers of switching resistance and unpack the process leading up to resistance. Furthermore, we identify organizational measures relevant for addressing such resistance and resolving ambidexterity at the individual level.

Keywords

Individual ambidexterity
Switching
Resistance
Emotion
Cognition
Exploitation
Exploration

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Dr. Christina M. Bidmon is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics. Her research interests include the emergence of novelty and non-technological innovation in existing corporations, sustainability-driven innovation, and the role of managerial cognition in innovation processes. She holds a PhD degree from Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences.

Dr. Siri Boe-Lillegraven is an Assistant Professor at Amsterdam Business School, University of Amsterdam. Her research interests include inter-firm collaboration, coordination and competition as well as the role of non-executives for organizational creativity, opportunity recognition and change. She holds an MBA and PhD degree from Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences.