You might have heard about organizational ambidexterity before, very likely you have experienced it in your business, even if the term doesn’t click with you yet.
What is this about?
Organizational Ambidexterity is the capability of a business to handle its operations and challenges of todays’ business (exploitation) while also being able to prepare for the changing demand of the future (exploration). Just as one can use their left and right hand equally well, this is something that is extremely difficult and only few people manage. For a business, it is just as challenging as if you try to write with both hands. Imbalances will occur.
Why is this important?
It is important to be aware of this phenomenon because it helps you to get a more comprehensive view on your business and new ventures. If you are unaware of this, it can slow down or block innovation.
Being aware of conflicts and using them in your favor.
Start by being aware of different interests and positions which occur out of exploitation and exploration. There will be objections on both sides, from sceptics, and you should listen to and understand them. Objections can give you valid points to have a closer look on how to mitigate potential downsides. Also, being open to change and open to new ventures will help you to become even stronger as an adaptable organization.
Identify stakeholders.
Who are the opposing forces within the organization and why? How are they effected? What (active) role do they play? When it comes to supporting innovation initiatives, do they have the power to stall or slow down projects that might be important for your future clients? Identify them and then involve them according to their role. Make sure they understand the vision and are able to clarify (hidden) fears or missing knowledge.
Working with these organizational conflicts helps you to use them in your favor.
By bringing the stakeholders together and understanding their concerns, you can come out of the process with a better product, strategy, or venture. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can expand your horizons and improve what you are trying to achieve.
Here are some further reading recommendations if you want to know more:
- Salim Ismail: Exponential Organizations, Diversion Books, 2014
- Corporate Entrepreneurship, SpringerGabler, Engelen Andreas, Engelen Monika, Bachmann Jan-Thomas, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden, 2015 (German)
- Martin, A., Keller, A., & Fortwengel, J. (2019). Introducing conflict as the microfoundation of organizational ambidexterity. Strategic Organization, 17(1), 38–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476127017740262
- Havard Business Review, The Ambidextrous Organization, Charles A. O’Reilly III and Michael L. Tushman, 2004. https://hbr.org/2004/04/the-ambidextrous-organization
This article was first published by the author on CorporateEntrepreneurship.org on Oct, 9th, 2022
