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Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation

Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2021.

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Other Authors: Whittaker, Louise
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2022
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Whittaker, Louise
author_browse Whittaker, Louise
author_facet Whittaker, Louise
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2021.
format Thesis
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:38:52.535Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2022
publishDateRange 2022
publishDateSort 2022
publisher University of Pretoria
publisherStr University of Pretoria
record_format dspace
source_str UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/87927 Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation Whittaker, Louise ichelp@gibs.co.za Nyamugama, Precious UCTD Boards of directors Digital transformation Exploration Exploitation Organisational ambidextirity Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2021. This thesis presents processes used by boards as they explore and exploit in a digital environment. Extant literature posits that organisations that fail to adopt digital transformation may lose competitive advantage and can become unsustainable and risk extinction. Research showed that ambidextrous organisations are associated with longevity, competitive advantage, and superior performance. The problem is that the ambidexterity literature mainly focuses on two levels of analysis, the individual and organisational. However, most work tasks in organisations are implemented by groups and not only individuals. In fact, leaders play a critical role in achieving ambidexterity. However, extant research has focused on senior management, and omitting boards. There is a notable paucity of research on how boards achieve ambidexterity. Research on boards was concerned about the structure and diversity. Recently, minimal attention has been paid to the role of the board in the digital economy. This is an important omission as boards direct organisations, monitoring disruptive technologies for longevity. This thesis answers the question, “How do boards of directors explore and exploit in the context of digital transformation?” The research used abductive multiple cases of organisations purposefully sampled in an emerging economy, with triangulation of data sources from six boards. It extends the typology of organisational ambidexterity. It also makes a novel contribution to board process research by adding processes used by boards as they explore and exploit. Boards invoke dynamic decision-making, and changing processes with organisational learning. The research extends an existing typology of organisational ambidexterity, based on the scenarios observed in the context of digital transformation. Further, this research introduces a digital adoption framework that organisations can use as they adopt digital transformation. The thesis is also a response to a call for qualitative research on understanding board processes. Consequently, this research raises a question that requires future research, ”What is the strategic role of the board of directors where the founder is leading the organisation”? Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) PhD Unrestricted 2022-10-25T07:56:36Z 2022-10-25T07:56:36Z 2022-09-06 2021 Thesis * https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/87927 en © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Boards of directors
Digital transformation
Exploration
Exploitation
Organisational ambidextirity
Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title_full Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title_fullStr Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title_full_unstemmed Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title_short Processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
title_sort processes used by boards of directors in pursuit of organisational ambidexterity in the context of digital transformation
topic UCTD
Boards of directors
Digital transformation
Exploration
Exploitation
Organisational ambidextirity
url https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/87927