Striking the Balance: Ambidexterity and Key Performance Indicators at Corvinus University of Budapest = Az egyensúlyozás művészete: Kettősképesség és kulcs teljesítménymutatók a Budapesti Corvinus Egyetemen

Absztrakt (kivonat)

This paper discusses ambidexterity in a university context and connects it with key performance indicators (KPIs) through the example of the transformation of Corvinus University of Budapest. A systematic literature review is conducted to refine ambidexterity in this context. Ambidexterity is defined as the university’s capability to pursue two different kinds of activities and to find the balance (ratio) between how exploitative and explorative education and research activities are. The emergence of New Public Management contributed to the proliferation of business concepts in higher education institutions, such as ambidexterity, performance measurement and KPIs. Corvinus was also impacted in this process. Interviews with staff members were conducted and Institutional Development Plans were analyzed to understand ambidexterity and how KPIs can help to reach it at Corvinus. The results show that the balance for Corvinus in the future is reached with a shift towards research activity and a greater ratio of exploration in education and research compared to the situation before the university transformation. KPIs have a role in striking the balance. Currently, the university needs stabilization compared to the turbulent period of recent times and too much exploration, therefore, KPIs have to promote stability and incremental innovations in education (exploitation), while some KPIs should be modified to accommodate high-quality and research work (exploration). The study makes recommendations for Corvinus regarding key activities and KPIs that should be given more emphasis.