Explaining the Dimensions and Components of Ambi/ tridexterity Universities in Iran

Abstract Purpose: The current research aimed to determine the dimensions and components of ambi/ tridexterity universities in Iran. Methodology: The study was based on interpretive paradigm. It was also developmental in terms of its applied purpose, descriptive in terms of the nature of method, and qualitative in terms of fragmentary data. The statistical population consisted of the organizational experts and faculty members of the country's universities. A statistical sample of twenty-seven people was determined according to the characteristics and conditions required for the members of the Delphi panel and through the combination of targeted and accessible methods. To collect data, we applied closed and open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used. Data were analyzed based on fuzzy Delphi approach and thematic analysis. Findings: Based on  the analysis of the interview texts, the dimensions of an ambi/ tridexterity university include: a. exploitation dimension with seven components of organizational intelligence, empowerment, social capital, talent management, communication, meritocracy and organizational culture; b. exploration dimension with five components of flexibility of human resources, opportunity creating leadership style, creativity and innovation, training and development, and strategic targeting; c. sustainability dimension with four components of sustainable regional growth, commitment to sustainability, environmental measures and explanation of sustainability criteria. Originality: Findings show that ample studies exist in the field of ambidexterity; however, most of them have only looked at the concept of ambidextrous organization emphasizing more on the balance between or the combination of exploitation and exploration dimensions. While, the present research, in addition to dealing with the concept of ambidextrous university, has proposed the third dimension of "sustainability" as an innovation in the concept of ambidextrous university. As such, we have promoted the concept to trinaldextrous university.