| dc.description.abstract | More and more organisations are adopting automation business processes to facilitate work,
be more efficient, and let workers do more value-creating and complex tasks. Being able to
exploit (efficient) and explore (innovate) simultaneously is defined as ambidexterity and
leads to successful organisations. However, the trade-off between exploitation and
exploration is challenging to master. It is easy to prioritise and plan for one activity only,
which many organisations do. Ambidexterity is not well introduced to organisations yet and
is quite an unknown area for many. In addition, research about the effects of automation on
ambidexterity is not well presented in the literature or within the case company. It is,
therefore, an interesting area of research.
The following research aims to study the effects of automation processes on ambidexterity in
the IT department of the case company. But also to investigate how to achieve ambidexterity
through the adoption of automation processes. The research considers literature that includes
ambidexterity, automation business processes and the effect of automation on efficiency or
innovation. Moreover, primary data were collected through 14 interviews made with
developers, experts and managers within the IT department of the case company. In addition,
a thematic analysis was done where first- and second-order codes were identified, followed
by three themes.
Finally, the study findings demonstrate the positive effects of automation on efficiency
regarding resource release, savings, and quality enhancement. On the other hand, the
organisations' lack of planning makes them less efficient. Further, no positive effects on
innovation have been found. The negative impact on innovation consists of a lack of financial
resources, resistance and organisational mindset, lack of transformation, and security and
rigidity. Ultimately, the effect of automation results in negative effects on ambidexterity due
to an imbalance because of a high focus on efficiency and non-prioritised exploration.
Released time is being used to exploit and to be more efficient. In conclusion, managerial
recommendations and a model have been proposed to make automation efforts result in a
better balance of efficiency and innovation, i.e. ambidexterity. | en |
