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Structural ambidexterity and competency traps: Insights from Xerox PARC

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  • Heracleous, Loizos
  • Papachroni, Angeliki
  • Andriopoulos, Constantine
  • Gotsi, Manto

Abstract

We investigate the organizational dysfunctions that can interfere with the implementation of structural ambidexterity as a dynamic capability. We find that these dysfunctions give rise to competency traps characterized by interlinked cognitive, organizational and behavioral dimensions, that can severely compromise structural ambidexterity. Further, from the perspective of network ambidexterity, we also find that the inventions of the explorative unit can be treated as external to the focal organization, mirroring the dynamics of portfolio resources found in the context of strategic alliances. Our findings extend understanding of organizational ambidexterity as a dynamic capability, in particular how competency traps can severely compromise ambidexterity; and how network-like effects can adversely shape intra-firm dynamics.

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  • Heracleous, Loizos & Papachroni, Angeliki & Andriopoulos, Constantine & Gotsi, Manto, 2017. "Structural ambidexterity and competency traps: Insights from Xerox PARC," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 327-338.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:117:y:2017:i:c:p:327-338
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2016.11.014
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    5. Inoue, Yuki, 2021. "Indirect innovation management by platform ecosystem governance and positioning: Toward collective ambidexterity in the ecosystems," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    6. van der Duin, Patrick & Trott, Paul & Ortt, Roland, 2024. "Failed technology management: Introducing ‘future technology myopia’ and how to address it," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    7. Wang, Canhao & Jiao, Hao & Song, Jiayi, 2023. "Wear glasses for supervisors to discover the beauty of subordinates: Supervisor developmental feedback and organizational ambidexterity," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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