My master thesis research on DevOps and Organizational Ambidexterity

Abstract

Organizational ambidexterity (OA) has long been a subject of interest to researchers. The theory emphasizes the role of the simultaneous pursuit of innovation and resource refinement in ensuring long-term firm survival. With the advent of digitalization, the need arose to develop a more practical model of OA. In this line of thought, the DevOps framework has the potential to foster synergy between inherently opposing forces: Information Technology (IT) exploration and exploitation. This study aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It employs a qualitative research approach to explore the alignment of DevOps with OA in IT contexts. Data was collected through interviews with managers and employees from four established European companies. Findings revealed that DevOps offers an effective strategy for organizations to achieve a sustained competitive advantage in dynamic digital environments. Consequently, a conceptual model was proposed to underscore the role of DevOps in balancing Bimodal IT units, thus enhancing IT ambidexterity and reinforcing OA.

Keywords: DevOps, Organizational Ambidexterity, Agile Transformation, Digital Transformation.


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