Viewing Supply Chain Ambidexterity (SCX) Through Paradox Theory and an Innovation Framework

Ambidexterity explains why companies engage in seemingly contradictory strategies in their effort to improve competitiveness. In supply chains, the literature provides neither a generally accepted definition of supply chain ambidexterity (SCX) nor a proper measure of relevant constructs. In addition, scholars have argued that ambidexterity is only an academic concept with no practical implications. This chapter evaluates supply chain integration (SCI) and supply chain agility (SCA) as antecedents to SCX. A conceptual framework consisting of four theoretical components, concept of ambidexterity (CoA) in conjunction with paradox theory (PT), theory of constraints (TOC), institutional theory (IT), and resource-based view (RBV) – resource-advantage theory (R-A), is proposed as a meta-theoretical guide for research, teaching, and practice. The chapter first introduces this Sustainable Innovation Capability Framework (SICF), explains its components, and then outlines the relevance of SCX in supply chains. A concept of an ambidextrous growth mindset (AGM) is also introduced with relevance to sustainability and innovation.