Dynamic capabilities, organizational learning and ambidexterity in a higher education institution

• Published in: The learning organization Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 397 - 411
• Main Authors: Souza, Carla Patricia da Silva, Takahashi, Adriana Roseli Wünsch
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 13.05.2019; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Capacity Building; Case studies; Change Strategies; Curricula; Data Analysis; Distance learning; Educational technology; Exploitation; Foreign Countries; Higher Education; Institutionalization; Knowledge; Knowledge sharing; Learning; Learning Processes; Meetings; Organizational Culture; Organizational Development; Organizational learning; Organizational Theories; Teaching Methods; Brazil; Dynamic capabilities; Ambidexterity; Organizational learning; Sensemaking; Higher education institutions
• ISSN: 0969-6474; 1758-7905
• DOI: 10.1108/TLO-03-2018-0047

Purpose This paper aims to analyse how dynamic capabilities (DC) affect organizational learning (OL) in a Brazilian higher education institution (HEI) and how this relationship affects organisational ambidexterity (OA). Design/methodology/approach The research strategy involves a qualitative, single case study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, documentary research over a 15-year period and nonparticipant observation. Data were analysed using narrative analysis. Findings The results show that founders and managers influence the activities related to sensing, seizing and reconfiguring DC. They interpreted the new opportunities and shared them with other individuals. Gradually, a collective sense about the new ideas was constructed. New academic and administrative routines were created and an OL process took place at the HEI, which resulted in a valuable balance between exploration and exploitation (OA) for the organisation. Originality/value The study offers insight into how DC, OL and OA can be related. Although each construct has its own independent definition, there are similarities between them. The case study demonstrates how these theories were affected, and the research, therefore, makes a new methodological contribution regarding how to study DC, OL and OA as an integrative phenomenon.