Nested tensions and smoothing tactics: An ethnographic examination of ambidexterity in a theatre

Patrick, Holly

Abstract

All organizations face contradictory demands, such as exploiting existing revenue sources whilst exploring new opportunities. The tensions of balancing these demands are largely met by employees, yet nearly all studies focus on the managerial perspective. This article uses an ethnographic study of a UK theatre to explore the experience of employees switching between exploitation and exploration in developing a play. Adopting a paradox lens, it identifies the existence of nested tensions. The organizational level is characterised by the well-studied contradiction between exploration and exploitation. Nested within this at the project level a series of tensions are produced around resources, power, and learning. These tensions lead to an identity-based paradox for employees. They must perform well in the project to secure their ties of belonging to the organization, but this simultaneously distances them from established expectations, weakening their ties of belonging. The article contributes to the literature on ambidexterity by illustrating the relational and emotional challenges faced by employees balancing exploitation and exploration; identifying the nested tensions involved in delivering ambidexterity; and through illustrating how employees smooth over these tensions using humour, shared vocabulary, and self-effacing language. On this basis, it argues for a practice-based view of ambidexterity as paradox.

Citation

Patrick, H. (2018). Nested tensions and smoothing tactics: An ethnographic examination of ambidexterity in a theatre. Management Learning, 49(5), 559-577. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507618800940

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 24, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Oct 31, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Deposit Date: Aug 27, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 27, 2018
• Journal: Management Learning
• Print ISSN: 1350-5076
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7307
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 559-577
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507618800940
• Keywords: Management of Technology and Innovation; Strategy and Management; General Decision Sciences
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1285934
• Contract Date: Aug 27, 2018