How Yin-Yang cognition affects organizational ambidexterity: the mediating role of strategic flexibility

This study examines the underlying mechanisms through which Yin-Yang cognition, an Eastern philosophy of paradoxical cognition, affects firm ambidexterity. Based on strategic cognition theory, this research identifies strategic flexibility as a mediator. Moreover, we also identify three fundamental characteristics of Yin-Yang cognition based on an Eastern philosophy. Using a sample of 206 manufacturing firms in China to test our model, we find that two types of strategic flexibility (resource flexibility and coordination flexibility) are important channels through which Yin-Yang cognition influences organizational ambidexterity. We describe how these findings offer several theoretical and managerial implications.