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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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    4. Dhir, Amandeep & Khan, Sher Jahan & Islam, Nazrul & Ractham, Peter & Meenakshi, N., 2023. "Drivers of sustainable business model innovations. An upper echelon theory perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    5. Lin, Hsing-Er & Hsu, I-Chieh & Hsu, Audrey Wenhsin & Chung, Hsi-Mei, 2020. "Creating competitive advantages: Interactions between ambidextrous diversification strategy and contextual factors from a dynamic capability perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    6. Kaur, Sarabjot & Gupta, Shivam & Singh, Sanjay Kumar & Perano, Mirko, 2019. "Organizational ambidexterity through global strategic partnerships: A cognitive computing perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 43-54.
    7. 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).
    8. Salerno, Mario Sergio & Paes Leme Barbosa, Ana Paula & Lasmar, Tiago Paz & O'Connor, Gina Colarelli, 2025. "Resourcing radical innovation: Leveraging from the mainstream to create the newstream," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

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