Summary containing all the relevant articles discussed during the course Strategic Entrepreneurship Organizational Renewal given in the first year of Business Administration (master) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. By learning this summary I personally passed the final exam.
Gibson & Birkinshaw, 2004
The Antecedents, Consequences, and Mediating Role of Organizational
Ambidexterity.
The article focuses on the concept of organizational ambidexterity, which
is the capacity of an organization to effectively balance alignment
(stability and coherence) and adaptability (flexibility and responsiveness)
in its operations. The authors emphasize that certain contextual factors—
specifically stretch, discipline, support, and trust—play a critical role in
fostering contextual ambidexterity. Furthermore, they argue that this
ambidexterity serves as a mediator between the aforementioned
contextual features and overall organizational performance.
Abstract
The article examines how organizational ambidexterity—balancing
alignment (coherence in goals and activities) and adaptability (ability to
adjust to environmental changes)—affects business unit performance. It
identifies contextual factors such as stretch, discipline, support, and trust
as crucial for fostering this ambidexterity. The study uses quantitative data
from 4,195 individuals across 41 business units, demonstrating that higher
levels of ambidexterity lead to better performance outcomes.
Fit with Course
This article aligns with the course on strategic entrepreneurship and
organizational renewal, particularly within the framework of understanding
conditions (like supportive contexts) and processes (like behavioral
capacities and leadership influence) that contribute to organizational
success. The empirical nature of this study complements theoretical
discussions in the course, offering real-world data on how these conditions
and processes impact organizational performance.
Empirical or Theoretical
The article is empirical, based on quantitative data collected from a large
sample of business units. It tests hypotheses regarding the relationships
between contextual factors, ambidexterity, and performance.
Introduction
The introduction discusses the importance of organizational ambidexterity,
which allows business units to thrive by balancing stability (alignment) and
flexibility (adaptability). It emphasizes that the best-performing units
effectively manage both aspects, with leadership playing a key role in
shaping an organizational context that supports this balance.
,Fit with Course
This section connects with course themes on strategic management by
providing insights into how organizations can innovate and renew
themselves. It adds to the course by offering empirical evidence on the
role of leadership and context in fostering ambidexterity, complementing
theoretical frameworks discussed in lectures.
Study Motivation
The study seeks to understand why some business units excel in balancing
alignment and adaptability, a critical question for organizations aiming to
maintain a competitive edge in dynamic markets.
Recognized Terms
Terms like ambidexterity, alignment, and adaptability are consistent with
course concepts, though their specific operational definitions might differ
across studies.
Hypotheses
The article proposes several hypotheses:
1. Ambidexterity and Performance
The first hypothesis posits that ambidexterity positively influences
performance. The argument is that units balancing alignment and
adaptability are better equipped to respond to changes while
maintaining coherence in operations.
2. Context and Ambidexterity
The second hypothesis suggests that a supportive organizational
context (characterized by stretch, discipline, support, and trust)
enhances ambidexterity. The idea is that these contextual factors
create an environment conducive to both stability and flexibility.
3. Mediation by Ambidexterity
The third hypothesis argues that ambidexterity mediates the
relationship between organizational context and performance,
implying that the benefits of a supportive context are realized
through its impact on ambidexterity.
Illustrative Examples
The automotive industry builds adaptability on stable alignment
frameworks, while software firms use a hybrid approach to foster
innovation through both alignment and adaptability.
Methods
Qualitative or Quantitative
The study is primarily quantitative, using surveys to collect data on
organizational context, ambidexterity, and performance across business
units.
Measures
Performance: Subjective ratings by senior and middle management.
, Ambidexterity: Measured using multi-item scales assessing
alignment and adaptability.
Organizational Context: Assessed through dimensions like
performance management and social context.
Level of Analysis
Data was collected at the individual level (through surveys) and
aggregated to the unit and organizational levels.
Subjective or Objective
The measures are mostly subjective, relying on managerial perceptions,
though supplemented by qualitative insights from interviews.
Results
The results confirm that:
1. Ambidexterity significantly improves performance.
2. A supportive context positively influences ambidexterity.
3. Ambidexterity fully mediates the relationship between context and
performance.
Relation to Course Themes
The findings reinforce key course themes, such as the role of
ambidexterity in strategic management and the importance of a
supportive organizational context. They also support the argument that
balancing alignment and adaptability is critical for sustaining competitive
advantage.
New Insights
The study introduces the concept of equifinality, suggesting multiple paths
to achieving ambidexterity, and emphasizes the gradual development of
ambidextrous capabilities over time.
Discussion and Conclusion
Limitations
1) Sample Size and Scope: The study's generalizability may be limited
by its specific sample.
2) Subjective Ratings: Reliance on subjective measures can introduce
bias.
3) Contextual Specificity: Findings may not apply uniformly across
different organizations or industries.
4) Temporal Limitations: The cross-sectional design limits the ability to
draw causal inferences.
Boundary Conditions
1) Organizational Size: Smaller organizations might not achieve
ambidexterity in the same way as larger firms.
2) Industry Differences: The dynamics of ambidexterity could vary
significantly across industries.
3) Cultural Factors: Variations in organizational culture may influence
how ambidexterity is realized.
, 4) Market Environment: The effectiveness of ambidexterity may differ
depending on market stability.
Understanding these limitations and boundary conditions is crucial for
applying the study's findings to different organizational contexts.
Tripsas & Gavetti, 2000
Major Innovation as a Dynamic Capability: A Systems Approach.
The article delves into the challenges that established firms face when
adapting to technological changes. Using Polaroid Corporation’s transition
from analog to digital imaging as a case study, the authors investigate
how the cognitive frameworks of management affect the company's
capabilities and its ability to adapt. The research emphasizes the critical
role that managerial cognitive representations play in guiding the search
for new solutions, shaping the organization's abilities, and facilitating
adaptation to new technologies.
Abstract
The abstract focuses on how managerial cognition influences
organizational capabilities, particularly during periods of technological
change. It highlights that while past learning can create inertia, the
cognitive frameworks of managers play a crucial role in guiding the
evolution of these capabilities. This suggests that to fully understand how
firms develop and adapt their capabilities, one must consider the evolving
beliefs within the organization.
Fit in the Course
This abstract fits within the broader course themes under both conditions
and processes. It touches on the conditions of cognitive change and path
dependency, which are vital for understanding strategic renewal. It also
connects with processes like learning and strategic decision-making,
emphasizing how these are influenced by managerial beliefs. This links to
discussions in the course on the importance of adaptability and cognitive
flexibility in organizational renewal.
Empirical or Theoretical
The article is primarily theoretical with a conceptual framework that is
supported by qualitative insights, including case studies like Polaroid.
Introduction
The introduction outlines the challenges established firms face in adapting
to technological changes, emphasizing the role of managerial cognition in
either facilitating or hindering this adaptation. It uses Polaroid as an
example, showing how rigid cognitive frameworks and reliance on existing
competencies can lead to failure, even when a company possesses
advanced technological capabilities.
Fit in the Course
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