Organisational Cultures in the Digital Age: The Importance of Cultural Ambidexterity and Inclusion

In an era dominated by digitalisation, organisations face unprecedented challenges that demand a fundamental shift in their cultural paradigms. The 'always on culture' and the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment necessitate a rethinking of traditional organisational processes, structures, and attitudes. A suitable organisational culture is pivotal in mobilising and motivating the workforce to adapt to these changes, making it the first and most important task in the digitalisation process. This chapter explores the concept of a 'digital organisational culture' through three key perspectives: the organisational, employee, and management viewpoints. It delves into the role of subcultures within an organisation, distinguishing between enhancing, orthogonal, and countercultures, and their impact on the dominant culture. The chapter also examines the phenomenon of cultural ambidexterity, which involves balancing explorative and exploitative procedures to maintain competitiveness. It highlights the importance of inclusion strategies in integrating diverse subcultures and ensuring constructive cooperation. The text provides a detailed overview of how companies can establish a digital culture, drawing on key concepts and real-world examples, and offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of digital transformation.