Semi-Confusing Information Systems Revisited: The Role of Inefficiencies in the Enactment of Ambidexterity

• Forty years ago, Bo Hedberg and Sten Jönsson proposed the notion of semi-confusing information systems as a desired state for organizations operating in dynamic environments. Core to the idea was that mere efficiency is not enough for long-term success, but that organizations also require a certain amount of inefficiency. These ideas resonate within the growing literature on organizational ambidexterity, in which the dynamic balancing of exploration and exploitation is deemed a prerequisite for long-term performance. This study utilizes the design characteristics of semi-confusing information systems as a lens for secondary analysis of a case of new product development in a global, automotive organization. The findings show that inefficiencies in the new product development process correspond to the proposed design characteristics of semi-confusing information systems, opening up for a new take on the role of inefficiencies in the enactment of ambidexterity. The identified inefficiencies are manifested in unsanctioned repertoires which result in increased variety. In addition, the level of compliance with semi-confusing information systems characteristics is found to impact both the ambidextrous balance and the decentralization of the enactment of ambidexterity.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Information Systems (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Inefficiency

Ambidexterity

Enactment

New product development

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)