Date: 01 April 2026, Wednesday
Time: 10.30 – 11.30
Place: MA-330
“Balancing Exploration and Exploitation: The Role of Intuition–Analysis Versatility and Paradoxical Leadership”
by
Amir Mehralian
Exeter
Abstract
While ambidexterity research has largely emphasized macro-level mechanisms, the micro-level foundations that allow employees to balance exploration and exploitation remain underdeveloped. Yet, because organizational ambidexterity ultimately emerges from employees’ ability to enact both activities, uncovering these micro-foundations is essential. Drawing on dual-system theory and the paradox perspective, we theorize that cognitive flexibility enables employees to enact ambidexterity through intuition–analysis versatility—cognitive strategies to switch between and integrate intuitive and analytic modes of processing. Moreover, paradoxical leadership serves as a crucial boundary condition that legitimizes and motivates cognitively flexible employees to deploy versatile cognitive strategies and translate them into ambidextrous behaviors. Evidence from a multi-wave, multisource field study and a cross-lagged panel survey provides robust support for our model. This research extends the cognitive foundations of ambidexterity, advances a “both–and” view of dual-system theory, and offers actionable guidance for cultivating ambidexterity in organizations.
Bio
Dr Amir Mehralian is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Exeter Business School. His research focuses on strategic HRM, leadership, employee wellbeing, ambidexterity, and innovation, with particular interest in healthcare and knowledge-intensive organisations. His work explores how HR systems and leadership practices shape employee adaptability, learning, and performance in complex environments. Amir has published in leading journals (ABS4/ A*/ FT50) and has been recognised among the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists globally. Alongside his academic work, he has extensive industry experience in healthcare management.