Unveiling the equifinal configurations driving business model design ambidexterity: based on TOE framework

Purpose The purpose of this study is to holistically understand the synergistic effects of big data analytics capability, paradox cognition, and business environment. Business model design ambidexterity (BMDA) has become a significant firm-level initiative to achieve high-quality development amid competition and external challenges. It requires fitting technological and organizational factors with the complex business environment that firms face. Design/methodology/approach Based on technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, the authors use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the multiple configurations driving high and non-high BMDA among a sample of 317 Chinese manufacturing firms. Findings The results reveal that any single TOE factor does not constitute the necessary condition, and the combinations of multiple TOE factors can achieve BMDA. In addition, three equifinal configurations drive high BMDA, and two asymmetric configurations lead to non-high BMDA. For high BMDA, infrastructure flexibility, managerial skills and data driven decision-making culture of big data analytics capability are universal ingredients. Furthermore, even without certain technical or organizational resources, firms can achieve high BMDA by combining other antecedents tailored to various environments. Originality/value This study integrates the joint effects of big data analytics capability, paradox cognition and business environment to enrich the application scope of TOE framework. On this basis, this study adopts the fsQCA method to explore the interaction of TOE factors on BMDA from a configurational perspective, expanding the complex implementation mechanism of BMDA literature in the context of Chinese manufacturing industry. Furthermore, findings highlight configurational thinking in the face of complex management issues, which provides multiple alternative practical guidelines for firms to implement BMDA, and simultaneously promotes the upgrading of manufacturing industry.