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Series:   Elements in Organization Theory

Ambiguity in Organization Theory

From Intrinsic to Strategic Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2023

Giulia Cappellaro ,
Amelia Compagni  and
Eero Vaara
Giulia Cappellaro
Affiliation:
Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan
Amelia Compagni
Affiliation:
Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, Milan
Eero Vaara
Affiliation:
University of Oxford

Summary

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.
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Keywords

ambiguitydecision-makingstrategyorganizational discourse and communicationorganizational change
Type
Element
Information
Series: Elements in Organization Theory
Online ISBN: 9781009358460
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication: 02 February 2023

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