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IT ambidexterity operationalization in the public sector: the case of the SNCF
[Opérationnaliser le concept d'ambidextrie IT dans le secteur public : le cas de la SNCF]

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  • Anne-Laure Delaunay

    (LITEM - Laboratoire en Innovation, Technologies, Economie et Management (EA 7363) - UEVE - Université d'Évry-Val-d'Essonne - Université Paris-Saclay - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris], IMT-BS - TIM - Département Technologies, Information & Management - TEM - Télécom Ecole de Management - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris] - IMT-BS - Institut Mines-Télécom Business School - IMT - Institut Mines-Télécom [Paris])

Abstract

The French passenger train market has been open to competition since 2021. To cope with this, the SNCF's equipment department has developed a vast digital transformation program to modernize its train repair plants. This article explores the encounter between historical IT and new digital technologies in middle management practices. More specifically, how can digital tools foster the development of IT ambidexterity in a public organization? Based on a threeyear organizational ethnography, we identify three development levers: support for top management in authorizing IT exploration, in-depth reflection on the actual room for maneuver of the middle manager in this exploration, and evaluation of the time-consuming data entry tasks transferred to this same management. Finally, we discuss the implications of the literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne-Laure Delaunay, 2023. "IT ambidexterity operationalization in the public sector: the case of the SNCF [Opérationnaliser le concept d'ambidextrie IT dans le secteur public : le cas de la SNCF]," Post-Print hal-04120583, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04120583
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04120583v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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