Ambidextrie en contexte interorganisationnel. Les pratiques des managers d’alliances dans la gestion des paradoxes

The complexity of managing companies exposes managers to paradox, especially in the search for a balance between exploration and exploitation in innovations. The question has been studied, through the concept of ambidexterity, leaving a gap in the literature: the practices implemented by managers in inter-organizational relations. Based on case studies of alliances, we identify three managerial roles: Handyman, focusing on exploration; Manager, favoring exploitation; and Acrobat, maintaining a permanent balance between exploration and exploitation.