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What makes innovation ambidexterity manageable: a systematic review, multi-level model and future challenges

Author

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  • Rabab H. Saleh

    (Arabian Gulf University)

  • Christopher M. Durugbo

    (Arabian Gulf University
    Abu Dhabi School of Management)

  • Soud M. Almahamid

    (Arabian Gulf University)

Abstract

Innovation ambidexterity has emerged as a primary interest in management research due to the strategy’s support for adaptability and flexibility pursuant to competitiveness. While management studies investigate and explicate the socioeconomic and technological challenges of ambidexterity, there is a gap in knowledge on the determinants that underpin the management of ambidextrous organisations. To tackle this paucity, this article uses a systematic approach to review existing literature on innovation ambidexterity, identifying the main determinants for managing ambidexterity in organisations, and setting an agenda for future management research informed by these determinants. The review assembles and critically appraises 121 articles published between 2007 and 2021. It examines the research clusters, investigated industry sectors, research methodologies, management theories, and research contributions of studies on innovation ambidexterity. The review finds seven main determinants for managing ambidexterity consisting of: (i) process mechanisms, (ii) organisational learning, (iii) leadership styles, (iv) technology investments, (v) organisational contexts, (vi) environmental uncertainties, and (vii) institutional pressures. Using insights from the review process, the article proposes a set of management priorities and suggests seven areas for future ambidexterity research with respect to digital interdependence, organisational legacy, stewardship behaviour, technology sourcing, organisational resilience, environmental readiness, and institutional transformation. Theoretically, the article contributes to knowledge via a multi-level ‘wheel’ model of ambidexterity management that links management determinants to priorities, and managerially, the review offers a fresh perspective on management factors for ambidexterity.

Suggested Citation

  • Rabab H. Saleh & Christopher M. Durugbo & Soud M. Almahamid, 2023. "What makes innovation ambidexterity manageable: a systematic review, multi-level model and future challenges," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(8), pages 3013-3056, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:rvmgts:v:17:y:2023:i:8:d:10.1007_s11846-023-00659-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11846-023-00659-4
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    Cited by:

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    2. Adilson Carlos Yoshikuni & Rajeev Dwivedi & Marcio Quadros Lopes Santos & Ronaldo Fragoso & Anderson Costa Souza & Fabio Henrique Sousa & Wagner Argibe Pio Santos & Denise Souza Romboli, 2024. "Effects of Knowledge Management Processes by Strategic Management Accounting on Organizational Ambidexterity: Mediation of Operational Processes Under Environmental Dynamism," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 25(3), pages 513-532, September.
    3. Al-khatib, Ayman wael & AL-Shboul, Moh'd Anwer & Khattab, Mais, 2024. "How can generative artificial intelligence improve digital supply chain performance in manufacturing firms? Analyzing the mediating role of innovation ambidexterity using hybrid analysis through CB-SE," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    4. Sergey Alexander Anokhin & Manuel Hess & Joakim Wincent, 2025. "Technology sourcing ambidexterity in corporate venture capital: limitations of learning from open innovation," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 64(1), pages 239-258, January.
    5. Beatriz Corchuelo Martínez-Azúa & Álvaro Dias & Celia Sama-Berrocal, 2025. "The key role of market orientation in innovation ambidexterity in agribusiness firms," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 39-65, January.
    6. Matei Gina & Vavura Nicolae-Marius, 2024. "Innovation at the Board Level: Bibliometric Analysis over Three Decades," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 1029-1044.
    7. Li, Yu & Chen, Yuxi & Wang, Junhe & Zhou, Yun & Wang, Chengqi, 2025. "Digital platform capability and innovation ambidexterity: The mediating role of strategic flexibility," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ambidexterity; Ambidextrous innovation; Explorative innovation; Exploitative innovation; Innovation strategy; Systematic review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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