Articlehybrid2019

Ambidextrous practices in public service organizations: innovation and optimization tensions in Dutch water authorities

Hanneke Gieske · Michael Duijn · Arwin van Buuren

88 citations0/0 files storedPublic Management Review

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Public Policy and Administration Research Management and Organizational Studies Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development

Abstract

For public service organizations (PSOs) it is essential to be able to simultaneously optimize and innovate policies, processes and services. This article explores how PSOs shape these dual practices by examining optimization and innovation practices in eight Dutch regional water authorities (RWAs) using focus groups. It uncovers mutually reinforcing differences in culture, strategy and management leading to different ambidextrous configurations. In low ambidextrous RWAs a legalistic task-orientation goes along with a transactional management style and focus on optimization only. In high ambidextrous RWAs a societal value-orientation, integrative strategies, and a more transformational management style lead to more embedded innovation practices.

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References

2007Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups 1991Exploration and Exploitation in Organizational Learning 2003Diffusion of innovations.2006Demonstrating Rigor Using Thematic Analysis: A Hybrid Approach of Inductive and Deductive Coding and Theme Development 1991Organizational Learning and Communities-of-Practice: Toward a Unified View of Working, Learning, and Innovation 1978Organizational Strategy, Structure, and Process 2003Techniques to Identify Themes 1996Ambidextrous Organizations: Managing Evolutionary and Revolutionary Change

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