The intra-organisational distribution of learning activities – a conceptual framework

Building upon the different knowledge search and transfer efficiency associated with a concentrated vs. an even distribution of exploration and exploitation within a firm, this article exams a largely neglected structure feature in organisational learning literature, namely the intra-organisational distribution of learning activities. Organisational structure and effective strategic behaviours are critical for firm growth and survival. This study connects learning strategy choices (i.e., an ambidexterity vs. a specialisation strategy) representing firm strategic behaviours with structural considerations (i.e., a concentrated vs. an even distribution of learning activities) in developing a framework facilitating appropriate learning mechanism choices. This study contributes to both the organisational learning and international business literature.