Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Human Resource Management, Innovation and Performance pp 130–144Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Exploratory Learners, HR Ambidexterity and e-HRM Projects

  • Chapter

  • 3800 Accesses

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on how innovative thinking might be generated within an organisation, a question that has been identified as a particular challenge for medium and small businesses (MSBs); whilst simultaneously balancing the day-to-day business demands. This ability to operate efficiently now, by exploiting existing resources, while at the same time looking forward in an explorative manner is known as ambidexterity (Duncan, 1976; Gibson & Birkinshaw, 2004; Raisch and Birkinshaw, 2008; Tushman and O’Reilly, 1996). e-Human Resources Management (e-HRM) relates to web-based systems that enable the deployment of HR processes and information to line managers and employees (Foster, 2010; Ruël et al., 2004). These systems, it is argued, are a form of organisational capital, which can act as catalyst for exploratory learning and it is through exploratory learning we argue that knowledge is generated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD   139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Allen, T. & Cohen, S. (1969) Information Flow in Research and Development Laboratories. Administrative Science Quarterly, 14: 12–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alpkan, L., Bulut, C., Gunday, G. Ulusoy, G. & Kili, K. (2010) Organizational Support for Intrapreneurship and Its Interaction with Human Capital to Enhance Innovative Performance. Management Decision, 48 (5): 732–755.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bledow, R., Frese, M., Anderson, N., Erez, M. & Farr, J. (2009) A Dialectic Perspective on Innovation: Conflicting Demands, Multiple Pathways, and Ambidexterity. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 2 (3): 305–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bondarouk, T., Ruël, H. & van der Heijden, B. (2009) E-HRM Effectiveness in a Public Sector Organization: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 20 (3): 578–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bowman, C. & Swart, J. (2007) Whose human capital? The challenge of value capture when capital is embedded. Journal of Management Studies, 44 (4): 488–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cook, S.D.N. & Brown, J.S. (1999) Bridging Epistemologies: The Generative Dance between Organizational Knowledge and Organizational Knowing. Organization Science, 10 (4): 381–400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duncan, R.B. (1976) The Ambidextrous Organization: Designing Dual Structures for Innovation. Management of Organization Design, 1: 167–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Edvinsson, L. & Malone, M. (1997) Intellectual Capital: Realising Your Company’s True Value by Finding Its Hidden Brainpower. New York, NY.: Harper Collins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster, S. (2010) Creating HR Value through Technology. Strategic Direction, 26 (8): 3–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, C.B. & Birkinshaw, J. (2004) The Antecedents, Consequences, and Mediating Role of Organizational Ambidexterity. The Academy of Management Journal, 7 (2): 209–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, R.M. (1996) Prospering in Dynamically-Competitive Environments: Organizational Capability as Knowledge Integration. Organization Science, 7 (4): 375–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grigoriou, K. & Rothaermel, F.T. (2014) Structural Micro-Foundations of Innovation: The Role of Relational Stars. Journal of Management, 40 (2): 586–615.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, M. T. (2002) Knowledge Networks: Explaining Effective Knowledge Sharing in Multiunit Companies. Organization science, 13 (3): 232–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hargadon, A & Fanelli, A. (2002) Action and Possibility: Reconciling Dual Perspectives of Knowledge in Organizations. Organization Science, 13 (3): May–June, 290–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hatch, N. W. & Dyer, J.H. (2004) Human Capital and Learning as a Source of Sustainable Competitive Advantage. Strategic Management Journal, 25 (12): 1155–1178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huber, G. E. (1991). Organizational Learning: the Contributing Processes and the Literature. Organization Science, 2: 88–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hustad, E., & Bechina, A. A. (2011). A Study of the ERP Project Life Cycles in Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Critical Issues and Lessons Learned. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joia, L.A. (2000) Measuring Intangible Corporate Assets: Linking Business Strategy with Intellectual Capital. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 1 (1): 68–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang, S.C., Morris, S.S. & Snell, S.A. (2007) Relational Archetypes, Organizational Learning, and Value Creation: Extending the Human Resource Architecture. The Academy of Management Review, 32 (1): 236–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kang, S-C., Snell, S.A & Swart, J. (2012) Options-Based HRM, Intellectual Capital, and Exploratory and Exploitative Learning in Law Firms’ Practice Groups. Human Resource Management, 51 (4): 461–486.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kogut, B. & Zander, U. (1992) Knowledge of the Firm, Combinative Capabilities, and the Replication of Technology. Organization Science, 3 (3): 383–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levitt, B. & March, J.G. (1988) Organizational Learning. Annual Review of Sociology, 14: 319–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • March, J.G. (1991) Exploration and Exploitation in Organizational Learning. Organization Science, 2 (1): 71–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martín-de Castro, G., Navas-Lopez, J.E., Lopez-Saez, P. & Alama-Salazar, E. (2006) Organizational Capital as Competitive Advantage of the Organization. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 7 (3): 324–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martín-de Castro, G. (2014) Intellectual Capital and the Firm: Some Remaining Questions and Prospects. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 12 (3): 239–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nahapiet, J. & Ghoshal, S. (1998) Social Capital, Intellectual Capital and the Organizational Advantage. Academy of Management Review, 23 (2): 242–266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raisch, S. & Birkinshaw, J. (2008) Organizational Ambidexterity: Antecedents, Outcomes, and Moderators. Journal of Management, 34 (3): 375–409.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raisch, S. & Tushman, M.L. (2011) A Dynamic Perspective on Ambidexterity: Structural Differentiation and Boundary Activities. Working Papers — Harvard Business School Division of Research, 1–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruël, H., Bondarouk, T. & Looise, J. K. (2004). E-HRM: Innovation or Irritation. An Explorative Empirical Study in Five Large Companies on Web-Based HRM. Management Revue, 364–380.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shipton, H. (2012) Spurring Innovation through Strong HRM Systems. In C.L. Helmer-Rathbone (Ed). Ready for Change?: Transition Through Turbulences to Reformation and Transformation. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 9–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparrow, P. (2010) The Innovation Imperative: Charting the Territory for HR. (WP 2010–01). The Centre for Performance-Led HR White Papers Lancaster University Management School.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snell, S. A. & Morris, S. S. (2014) Building Dynamic Capabilities around Organizational Learning Challenges. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 1 (3): 214–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subramaniam, M. & Youndt, M.A. (2005) The Influence of Intellectual Capital on the Types of Innovative Capabilities. Academy of Management Journal, 48: 450–463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tansley, C., Newell, S. & Williams, H. (2001) Effecting HRM-Style Practices through an Integrated Human Resource Information System. Personnel Review, 30 (3): 351–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tansley, C., Kirk, S, Williams, H. & Barton, H. (2014) Tipping the Scales: Ambidexterity Practices on E-HRM Projects. Employee Relations, 36 (4): 398–414.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D.J., Pisano, G. & Shuen, A. (1997) Dynamic Capabilities and Strategic Management. Strategic Management Journal, 18 (7): 509–533.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teece, D., 2000. Managing Intellectual Capital. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tsai, W. (2001) Knowledge Transfer in Intraorganizational Networks: Effects of Network Position and Absorptive Capacity on Business Unit Innovation and Performance. Academy of Management Journal, 44 (5): 996–1004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tushman, M.L. & O’Reilly, C.A. (1996) Ambidextrous Organizations: Managing Evolutionary and Revolutionary Change. California Management Review, 38 (4): 8–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyson, S. (1999) How HR Knowledge Contributes to Organizational Performance. Human Resource Management Journal, 9 (3): 42–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zucker, L., Darby, M. & Brewer, M.B. (1998) Intellectual Human Capital and the Birth of US Biotechnology Enterprises. American Economic Review, 88 (1): 290–306.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Carole Tansley
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Susan Kirk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Nottingham Business School, UK

    Helen Shipton

  2. Aston University, UK

    Pawan Budhwar

  3. Lancaster University Management School, UK

    Paul Sparrow

  4. University of Warwick, UK

    Alan Brown

Copyright information

© 2016 Carole Tansley and Susan Kirk

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Tansley, C., Kirk, S. (2016). Exploratory Learners, HR Ambidexterity and e-HRM Projects. In: Shipton, H., Budhwar, P., Sparrow, P., Brown, A. (eds) Human Resource Management, Innovation and Performance. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137465191_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation