R&D ambidexterity for growing organizations in the context of complex and turbulent environments

Abstract

Managers today have to face the challenges of globalization. The constant demand for growth in the environment of global competition, with different economic conditions and even shorter product cycles, is the topic that causes concern today. In order to be economically successful in such a volatile global environment, the companies management are concerned with the topic of organizational design in order to outperform the competition by the higher efficiency of their working methods. This thesis shows which supporting methods, processes and structures exist for an ambidextrous R&D organization in a volatile and complex environment, by considering traditional as well as modern approaches. A timely design of R&D structure, process and culture which combines the most suitable methods and guidelines, was developed throughout the thesis. The structure and processes shall support the particular demands of Logicdatas environment and more specifically its R&D department. It is designed to meet the requirements of exploration and exploitation, strongly varying project categories and short-term strategical adjustments while also including support measures that promote cooperation and the right cultural mind-set in organizations. The developed model has been tested and evaluated by the authors using three diversified use cases which they have experienced. The advantages and disadvantages of the existing, traditional structure and process were compared to the model developed in this thesis. The results show which advantages and limitations this model could have in their environment, compared to the existing model. In this way, the applicability and value of the model in helping to achieve the objectives of ambidextrous organizations, are also illustrated.