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Structural Differentiation and Ambidexterity: The Mediating Role of Integration Mechanisms

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  • Justin J. P. Jansen

    (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Michiel P. Tempelaar

    (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Frans A. J. van den Bosch

    (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Henk W. Volberda

    (Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Prior studies have emphasized that structural attributes are crucial to simultaneously pursuing exploration and exploitation, yet our understanding of antecedents of ambidexterity is still limited. Structural differentiation can help ambidextrous organizations to maintain multiple inconsistent and conflicting demands; however, differentiated exploratory and exploitative activities need to be mobilized, coordinated, integrated, and applied. Based on this idea, we delineate formal and informal senior team integration mechanisms (e.g., contingency rewards and social integration) and formal and informal organizational integration mechanisms (e.g., cross-functional interfaces and connectedness) and examine how they mediate the relationship between structural differentiation and ambidexterity. Overall, our findings suggest that the previously asserted direct effect of structural differentiation on ambidexterity operates through informal senior team (i.e., senior team social integration) and formal organizational (i.e., cross-functional interfaces) integration mechanisms. Through this richer explanation and empirical assessment, we contribute to a greater clarity and better understanding of how organizations may effectively pursue exploration and exploitation simultaneously to achieve ambidexterity.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin J. P. Jansen & Michiel P. Tempelaar & Frans A. J. van den Bosch & Henk W. Volberda, 2009. "Structural Differentiation and Ambidexterity: The Mediating Role of Integration Mechanisms," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(4), pages 797-811, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:20:y:2009:i:4:p:797-811
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1080.0415
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ambidexterity; dynamic capabilities; structural differentiation; formal integration mechanisms; informal integration mechanisms; exploration; exploitation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics

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