Striving for Contextual Ambidexterity: A Case Study Researching How an Organisation Can Manage the Tensions Brought About by the Strive to Simultaneously Exploit and Explore

Abstract: Title: Striving for Contextual Ambidexterity: A Case Study Researching How an Organisation Can Manage the Tensions Brought About by the Strive to Simultaneously Exploit and Explore Date of the seminar: 18.05.2016 Course: ENTN39 Master´s Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Internship and degree project (Master´s thesis 15 ECTS) Author: Alexander Danson and Carl Axel Kierulf Supervisor: Joakim Winborg Keywords: Organisational Ambidexterity; Contextual Ambidexterity; Tensions; Exploration; Exploitation Research question-/s: 1. What are the most significant tensions brought about by a company’s pursuit of contextual ambidexterity? 2. How are the tensions brought about by a company’s pursuit of contextual ambidexterity related to one another? Methodology: The approach taken was a single case study at a fast growing bank in Sweden. The research design was qualitative, primarily inductive and interpretative and the main data collection method was semi-structured interviews. Theoretical perspectives: This research paper focuses on the concept of contextual ambidexterity. By researching the most significant tensions, which come about as a result of pursuing exploration and exploitation activities within a single business unit, the authors hope to develop the theoretical understanding of the concept. Conclusions: The authors conclude that the tensions between the long and short term vision, predictability and uncertainty and efficiency and flexibility are the most significant for the contextually ambidextrous organisation. Furthermore, the authors found evidence of relationships between these tensions, among others, which are illustrated in a model. The research confirms the complexity of implementing contextual ambidexterity, whilst identifying areas where organisations should focus their efforts.