University of Twente Student Theses
Organization of exploration
Krabbenbos, Tim (2010) Organization of exploration.
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| Abstract: | This assignment focuses on how fast growing organizations, also known as gazelle firms, organize exploration. Innovation is usually of considerable importance for companies and their growth ambitions, however exploitative activities must also be performed. Exploration and exploitation are two conflicting activities. Maintaining a good balance between them is necessary for organizational success. In order to research how gazelle firms organize exploration the evolution of exploration within the organizations is examined. At the internal side of firms the structure regarding exploration is observed and regarding the external side the firm`s relationships with other companies is investigated. The data collection is performed by several case studies of Dutch firms found in the internet technology sector. By using the “2009 Gazellen top 100” of the Financieel Dagblad a selection is made of fast growing firms in the internet technology sector. With these firms face to face interviews were performed with the CEO and also employees in the organization. The investigation of the data results is performed by a within case analysis for each firm and cross case analysis. It is found that several forms of ambidexterity are linked with exploration. The firms where exploration plays an important role, usually have a form of ambidexterity. It is also found that the use of external partnerships is important for organizations that are engaged significantly in exploration. The size of organizations is an important characteristic. Large size firms more often have ambidextrous forms than small size firms. It can be argued that because of their limited R&D facilities the use of external partnerships is more important for small size companies than for large size companies, though collaboration with other organizations is also essential for large size firms. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration BSc (56834) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/60034 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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