Unraveling Supply Chain Ambidexterity: A Synthesis of Theoretical Development and Empirical Insights
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38035/dijemss.v6i5.4716Keywords:
Strategic Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Ambidexterity, Exploration, ExploitationAbstract
Supply chain ambidexterity (SCX), A strategic approach to balance exploration and exploitation within supply chain operations, has emerged as a critical capability in dynamic and competitive business environments. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) to synthesize existing theoretical developments and empirical findings on ambidexterity approach in the field supply chain. Drawing from 202 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025, this review identifies the key themes, theoritical progressions, key dimensions, and performance implications associated with SCX. The analysis reveals that SCX has evolved from a loosely defined concept to a structured multidimensional construct, commonly measured through capabilities, and strategic orientations. Empirical studies confirm a positive association between SCX and firm performance, particularly in terms of adaptation, innovation, and resilience. However, the review also uncovers trade-offs, such as resource constraints and structural misalignments, which challenge firms attempting to implement SCX effectively. Furthermore, the review reveals variation in how SCX is conceptualized through its key dimensions, and identifies a lack of longitudinal studies examining its development over time. By integrating theoretical and empirical perspectives, this study contributes a comprehensive understanding of SCX and proposes directions for future research, including cross-industry comparative analysis, dynamic capability integration, and context-sensitive SCX frameworks. The findings aim to support both scholars and practitioners in advancing the strategic deployment of SCX.
References
Lee, S. M., & Rha, J. S. (2016). Ambidextrous supply chain as a dynamic capability: Building a resilient supply chain. Management Decision, 54(1), 2–23. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-12-2014-0674
Gu, M., Yang, L., & Huo, B. (2021). The impact of information technology usage on supply chain resilience and performance: An ambidextrous view. International Journal of Production Economics, 232, 107956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.107956
Partanen, J., Kohtamäki, M., Patel, P. C., & Parida, V. (2020). Supply chain ambidexterity and manufacturing SME performance: The moderating roles of network capability and strategic information flow. International Journal of Production Economics, 221, 107470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.08.005
Benzidia, S., Makaoui, N., & Subramanian, N. (2021). Impact of ambidexterity of blockchain technology and social factors on new product development: A supply chain and Industry 4.0 perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169, 120819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120819
Yalcin, M. G., & Ashraf, M. H. (2024). Viewing supply chain ambidexterity (SCX) through paradox theory and an innovation framework. In The Palgrave Handbook of Supply Chain Management (pp. 271–292). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89822-9_104-1
C. R., V., Sridharan, R., Gunasekaran, A., & Ram Kumar, P. N. (2020). Strategic capabilities for managing risks in supply chains: Current state and research futurities. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 17(2), 173–211. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAMR-04-2019-0061
Priyanka, Jain, M., & Dhir, S. (2022). Antecedents of organization ambidexterity: A comparative study of public and private sector organizations. Technology in Society, 70, 102046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102046
Munir, M. A., Hussain, A., Farooq, M., Rehman, A. U., & Masood, T. (2024). Building resilient supply chains: Empirical evidence on the contributions of ambidexterity, risk management, and analytics capability. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 200, 123146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123146
Vega, D., Arvidsson, A., & Saïah, F. (2023). Resilient supply management systems in times of crisis. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 43(1), 70–98. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-03-2022-0192
Belhadi, A., Kamble, S. S., Venkatesh, M., Chiappetta Jabbour, C. J., & Benkhati, I. (2022). Building supply chain resilience and efficiency through additive manufacturing: An ambidextrous perspective on the dynamic capability view. International Journal of Production Economics, 249, 108516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2022.108516
Ambulkar, S., Ralston, P. M., Polyviou, M., & Sanders, N. (2023). Frequent supply chain disruptions and firm performance: The moderating role of exploitation, exploration and supply chain ambidexterity. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 53(11), 1261–1285. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2023-0051
Feizabadi, J., Gligor, D. M., Alibakhshi Motlagh, S., & Srivastava, R. (2024). When and under what conditions ambidextrous supply chains prove effective? Insights from simulation and empirical studies. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 183, 103461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2024.103461
Carrera-Rivera, A., Ochoa, W., Larrinaga, F., & Lasa, G. (2022). How-to conduct a systematic literature review: A quick guide for computer science research. MethodsX, 9, 101895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101895
Taylor, K. S., Mahtani, K. R., & Aronson, J. K. (2021). Summarising good practice guidelines for data extraction for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 26(2), 88–90. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111651
Guemes-Castorena, D., & Ruiz, B. (2017). Balancing supply chain archetypes and ambidexterity in the apparel industry. In 2017 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET) (pp. 1–13). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.23919/PICMET.2017.8125411
Tseng, M.-L., Bui, T.-D., Lim, M. K., Fujii, M., & Mishra, U. (2022). Assessing data-driven sustainable supply chain management indicators for the textile industry under industrial disruption and ambidexterity. International Journal of Production Economics, 245, 108401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2021.108401
Benitez, J., Castillo, A., Llorens, J., & Braojos, J. (2018). IT-enabled knowledge ambidexterity and innovation performance in small U.S. firms: The moderator role of social media capability. Information & Management, 55(1), 131–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2017.09.004
Sarmento, M., Simões, C., & Lages, L. F. (2024). From organizational ambidexterity to organizational performance: The mediating role of value co-creation. Industrial Marketing Management, 118, 175–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2024.02.010
Hald, K. S., & Nordio, C. (2021). Ambidexterity in collaborative new product development processes. Business Process Management Journal, 27, 987–1008. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-05-2020-0220
Yan, J., Tsinopoulos, C., & Xiong, Y. (2021). Unpacking the impact of innovation ambidexterity on export performance: Microfoundations and infrastructure investment. International Business Review, 30, 101766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2020.101766
Cheah, S. C., & Tan, C. L. (2024). External knowledge sourcing, organizational ambidexterity and manufacturing performance: A new insight for dynamic operation management. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 31, 1643–1666. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2022-0695
Fourné, S. P. L., Rosenbusch, N., Heyden, M. L. M., & Jansen, J. J. P. (2019). Structural and contextual approaches to ambidexterity: A meta-analysis of organizational and environmental contingencies. European Management Journal, 37, 564–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2019.04.002
Chen, C.-T., Chen, S.-C., Khan, A., Lim, M. K., & Tseng, M.-L. (2024). Big data analytics-artificial intelligence and supply chain ambidexterity impacts on corporate image and green communication. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 124, 2899–2918. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-01-2024-0045
Hoang, T.-H., & Le, Q. H. (2024). A self-regulatory adapting mechanism to changing work setting: Roles of playful work design and ambidexterity. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 6, 100148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2024.100148
Joseph, C., & Wood, D. (2020). Fostering innovation via ambidexterity in aerospace organizations. Acta Astronautica, 168, 37–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.10.014
Labarthe, P., Coléno, F., Enjalbert, J., Fugeray-Scarbel, A., Hannachi, M., & Lemarié, S. (2021). Exploration, exploitation and environmental innovation in agriculture: The case of variety mixture in France and Denmark. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 172, 121028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121028
Piccinini, E. (2015). Transforming industrial business: The impact of digital transformation on automotive organizations. Retrieved from https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85126569070
Nigg-Stock, A., Bayrle, N., & Brecht, L. (2023). Drivers of exploitative and explorative innovation efficiency. Digital Business, 3, 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.digbus.2023.100062
Cabeza-Pullés, D., Fernández-Pérez, V., & Roldán-Bravo, M. I. (2020). Internal networking and innovation ambidexterity: The mediating role of knowledge management processes in university research. European Management Journal, 38(3), 450–461.
Nowacki, C., & Monk, A. (2020). Ambidexterity in government: The influence of different types of legitimacy on innovation. Research Policy, 49, 103840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2019.103840
Pertusa-Ortega, E. M., Tarí, J. J., Pereira-Moliner, J., Molina-Azorín, J. F., & López-Gamero, M. D. (2021). Developing ambidexterity through quality management and their effects on performance. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 92, 102720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102720
Park, K. M. (2019). Playing a double game? Pursuing innovation through ambidexterity in an international acquisition program from the Arabian Gulf Region. R&D Management, 49(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12361
Ashraf, M. H., Yalcin, M. G., Zhang, J., & Ozpolat, K. (2022). Is the US 3PL industry overcoming paradoxes amid the pandemic? The International Journal of Logistics Management, 33(4), 1269–1293. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-02-2021-0110
Li, N., Liu, D., & Boadu, F. (2023). The impact of digital supply chain capabilities on enterprise sustainable competitive performance: An ambidextrous view. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 123(7), 1670–1689. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-11-2022-0699
Ali, S., Tian, H., Wu, W., Ali, S., Kumail, T., & Saif, N. (2024). Marketing capabilities, market ambidexterity and product innovation outcomes: A yin-yang of inside-out and outside-in. Industrial Marketing Management, 118, 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2024.02.003
Khan, Z., Amankwah-Amoah, J., Lew, Y. K., Puthusserry, P., & Czinkota, M. (2022). Strategic ambidexterity and its performance implications for emerging economies multinationals. International Business Review, 31, 101762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2020.101762
Ojha, D., Acharya, C., & Cooper, D. (2018). Transformational leadership and supply chain ambidexterity: Mediating role of supply chain organizational learning and moderating role of uncertainty. International Journal of Production Economics, 197, 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2018.01.001
Joseph, J., Firmin, S., Oseni, T., & Stranieri, A. (2023). Decoding employee ambidexterity: Understanding drivers, constraints, and performance implications for thriving in the evolving work landscapes—A scoping review. Heliyon, 9, e22493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22493
Acosta-Prado, J. C. (2019). Organizational ambidexterity, intangible assets and economic results in new technology-based firms. IKM, 19, 056. https://doi.org/10.34190/IKM.19.056.
Syed, T. A. (2020). Impact of IT ambidexterity on new product development speed: Theory and empirical evidence. DECI, 12399. https://doi.org/10.1111/deci.12399.
Huang, S., Battisti, M., & Pickernell, D. (2021). CEO regulatory focus as the microfoundation of organizational ambidexterity: A configurational approach. Journal of Business Research, 125, 26–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.12.004.
Gärtner, Q., Dorth, A., & Reinhart, G. (2022). Concept for ambidextrous management of incremental and radical innovation in manufacturing. Procedia CIRP, 107, 475–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2022.05.011.
Li, N. (2023). The impact of digital supply chain capabilities on enterprise sustainable competitive performance: An ambidextrous view. Industrial Management & Data Systems. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-11-2022-0699.
Kumar, S., & Singh, V. (2025). Strategic navigation of supply chain ambidexterity for resilience and agility in the digital era: A review. International Journal of Production Economics, 281, 109514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2024.109514.
Aslam, H., Khan, A. Q., Rashid, K., & Rehman, S. (2020). Achieving supply chain resilience: The role of supply chain ambidexterity and supply chain agility. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 31, 1185–1204. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-07-2019-0263.
Constant, F., Calvi, R., & Johnsen, T. E. (2020). Managing tensions between exploitative and exploratory innovation through purchasing function ambidexterity. Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 26, 100645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2020.100645.
Wamba, S. F., & Queiroz, M. M. (2022). A framework based on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics to leverage supply chain resilience considering the COVID-19. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 55, 2396–2401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.10.067.
Souza-Luz, A. R., & Gavronski, I. (2020). Ambidextrous supply chain managers in a slow clockspeed industry: Evidence from a Brazilian adhesive manufacturer. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 25, 101–114. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-03-2019-0175.
Rojo, A., Llorens-Montes, J., & Perez-Arostegui, M. N. (2016). The impact of ambidexterity on supply chain flexibility fit. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 21, 433–452. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-08-2015-0328.
Ho, H., Osiyevskyy, O., Agarwal, J., & Reza, S. (2020). Does ambidexterity in marketing pay off? The role of absorptive capacity. Journal of Business Research, 110, 65–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.12.050.
Brix, J. (2020). Building capacity for sustainable innovation: A field study of the transition from exploitation to exploration and back again. Journal of Cleaner Production, 268, 122381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122381.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Hasemy Rafsanjani , Iwan Vanany
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish their manuscripts in this journal agree to the following conditions:
- The copyright on each article belongs to the author(s).
- The author acknowledges that the Dinasti International Journal of Education Management and Social Science (DIJEMSS) has the right to be the first to publish with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
- Authors can submit articles separately, arrange for the non-exclusive distribution of manuscripts that have been published in this journal into other versions (e.g., sent to the author's institutional repository, publication into books, etc.), by acknowledging that the manuscript has been published for the first time in the Dinasti International Journal of Education Management and Social Science (DIJEMSS).
