Ambiguity in Organization Theory
From Intrinsic to Strategic Perspectives

This Element explains the role of ambiguity in and around organizations including intrinsic and strategic perspectives.

Giulia Cappellaro (Author), Amelia Compagni (Author), Eero Vaara (Author)

9781009358439, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 February 2023

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.4 cm, 0.465 kg

This Element presents and discusses the main trajectories in the evolution of the concept of ambiguity and the most relevant theoretical contributions developed around it. It specifically elaborates on both the intrinsic perspectives on ambiguity as an inherent part of organizational decision-making processes and the more recent strategic perspectives on discursively constructed strategic ambiguity. It helps illuminate the path ahead of organizational scholars and offers new avenues for future research. This is important given the ever more pervasive presence of ambiguity in and around organizations and societies.

1. Introduction
2. Ambiguity vs other constructs
3. Analytical approach
4. Intrinsic perspectives: ambiguity as an inherent part of organizational decision-making
5. Strategic perspectives: discursively constructed strategic ambiguity
6. Trajectories in the study of ambiguity in organization theory and future perspectives
7. Conclusion
References.

Subject Areas: Organizational theory & behaviour [KJU], Management decision making [KJMD], Business strategy [KJC]