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A Network Perspective on Individual-Level Ambidexterity in Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Rogan

    (INSEAD, 77305 Fontainebleau Cedex, France)

  • Marie Louise Mors

    (Copenhagen Business School, Strategic Management and Globalization, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

Abstract

Addressing the call for a deeper understanding of ambidexterity at the individual level, we propose that managers’ networks are an important yet understudied factor in the ability to balance the trade-off between exploring for new business and exploiting existing business. Analyses of 1,449 ties in the internal and external networks of 79 senior managers in a management consulting firm revealed significant differences in the density, contact heterogeneity, and informality of ties in the networks of senior managers who engaged in both exploration and exploitation compared with managers that predominately explored or exploited. The findings suggest that managers’ networks are important levers for their ability to behave ambidextrously and offer insights into the microfoundations of organizational ambidexterity.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Rogan & Marie Louise Mors, 2014. "A Network Perspective on Individual-Level Ambidexterity in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(6), pages 1860-1877, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:25:y:2014:i:6:p:1860-1877
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2014.0901
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    References listed on IDEAS

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