How ambidextrous cultures influence learning by universities: Lessons from administrators

ABSTRACT

Universities face organisational challenges to learn and adopt administrative practices that aid both staff and educational development. Although the prospects of ambidexterity as an organisational learning strategy are appreciated in research and practice, understanding the nature of culture-based factors that support ambidextrous mindsets in educational settings remains underdeveloped. This article explores the ambidextrous culture-based enablers that foster ambidextrous learning by universities. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data from 32 university administrators within the Gulf Cooperation Council region serve as the basis for empirical insights. Findings from the interviews show that 2Es and 2Cs are culture-based enablers consisting of employee diversity, employee fairness, clear communication and consistent practice. From a theoretical perspective, the article contributes to knowledge by capturing the enabling factors of a culture-learning praxis for ambidexterity, while managerially, the article urges for dedicated ‘learning to learn’ action plans that develop best practice for ambidextrous learning by universities.

KEYWORDS:

• Ambidextrous organisational cultures
• ambidextrous learning
• leadership
• knowledge
• GCC region
• higher education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Kuwait Civil Service Bureau.

Notes on contributors

Sharifah B. AlKhamees

Sharifah B. AlKhamees recently completed her PhD in Innovation Management at the Arabian Gulf University in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. She is currently a university administrative coordinator and has research interests in educational development, innovation in higher education and organisational ambidexterity.

Christopher M. Durugbo

Christopher M. Durugbo is Director for the Faculty of Business and Management at Muscat University in the Sultanate of Oman and has research interests in technology management and innovation. Dr Durugbo has published findings from his research in several journals, such as Computers & Education, Education and Information Technologies, Innovations in Education and Teaching International and Technological Forecasting and Social Change.