Ambidexterity and total quality management: towards a research agenda

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to expand on the existing theory of ambidexterity by analysing its implications for organisations that employ total quality management.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis of relevant theoretical and empirical studies on ambidexterity and total quality management enables us to reflect on the common elements, facilitating factors and synergy that exists between both fields.FindingsThanks to the synergy between its principles and practices, total quality management can act as a platform in creating an ambidextrous context, in addition to generating ambidextrous management capabilities and ambidextrous organisational skills. However, no relationship has be…