Abstract Individual ambidexterity is an important micro-foundation of organizational ambidexterity. However, switching back-and-forth between exploration and exploitation can be challenging for individuals. Prior research has mostly focused on bottom-up approaches to stimulating individual ambidexterity, yet many organizations are characterized by greater top-down control. Exercising control may complicate the pursuit of individual ambidexterity because it amplifies switching resistance. We draw on an observational study of facilitated strategy workshops to explore the role of switching resistance and steps that can be taken to deal with it in top-down settings. Our findings suggest that imposing switches on individuals tends to trigger a distinct pattern of behavioral responses. Furthermore, we find that increasing control and offering emotional support can reduce switching resistance and help individuals execute ambidextrous work tasks. Our study contributes to the literature on individual ambidexterity by extending it from bottom-up to top-down settings. Specifically, we identify emotional, cognitive and behavioral drivers of switching resistance and unpack the process leading up to resistance. Furthermore, we identify organizational measures relevant for addressing such resistance and resolving ambidexterity at the individual level.

中文翻译：

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现在，切换！个体对探索和剥削之间强加转换的反应

摘要 个体二元性是组织二元性的重要微观基础。然而，在探索和利用之间来回切换对个人来说可能具有挑战性。先前的研究主要集中在自下而上的方法来激发个人的双能性，但许多组织的特点是自上而下的控制更强。行使控制权可能会使追求个人双能性变得复杂，因为它会放大转换阻力。我们利用对促进策略研讨会的观察性研究来探索转换阻力的作用以及在自上而下的环境中可以采取的应对措施。我们的研究结果表明，对个人施加开关往往会触发一种独特的行为反应模式。此外，我们发现增加控制和提供情感支持可以减少转换阻力并帮助个人执行灵巧的工作任务。我们的研究通过将其从自下而上扩展到自上而下的设置，为关于个体二元性的文献做出了贡献。具体来说，我们确定转换阻力的情绪、认知和行为驱动因素，并解开导致阻力的过程。此外，我们确定了与解决此类阻力和解决个人层面的二元性相关的组织措施。转换阻力的认知和行为驱动因素，并解开导致阻力的过程。此外，我们确定了与解决此类阻力和解决个人层面的二元性相关的组织措施。转换阻力的认知和行为驱动因素，并解开导致阻力的过程。此外，我们确定了与解决此类阻力和解决个人层面的二元性相关的组织措施。