Organizational Ambidexterity in Digitally Mediated Teams
Keywords:
Organizational ambidexterity, digitally mediated teams, virtual collaboration, digital transformation, team learningAbstract
This study aimed to explore how organizational ambidexterity is enacted within digitally mediated teams, with a focus on the mechanisms through which team members balance exploration and exploitation in virtual work environments. This qualitative study employed a thematic analysis approach using semi-structured interviews with 24 professionals from various industries in Bulgaria, all of whom had experience working in digitally mediated teams. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The interviews were conducted via video conferencing platforms, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo software. The coding process followed an inductive strategy to identify emergent themes related to role management, communication practices, learning behaviors, and adaptive strategies in virtual settings. Three main categories emerged from the data: Balancing Exploration and Exploitation, Digital Communication and Team Dynamics, and Adaptive Learning and Innovation. Participants emphasized the importance of role flexibility, strategic time management, trust-building mechanisms, continuous skill development, and psychological safety in navigating dual demands. They reported challenges such as digital fatigue, asynchronous misalignment, and unclear performance metrics. However, teams that fostered reflexivity, encouraged safe failure, and integrated digital tools thoughtfully were better equipped to sustain both innovative and operational goals. Quotations from participants illustrated how ambidexterity was embedded in team routines and decision-making processes. The study reveals that organizational ambidexterity in digitally mediated teams is not solely a technological or structural outcome but a dynamic, human-centered process shaped by leadership behavior, communication practices, and team reflexivity. The findings contribute practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance team adaptability, innovation, and execution in digital work environments.
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