Volery, ThierryThierryVoleryMüller, SusanSusanMüllerVonsiemens, BjoernBjoernVonsiemens2023-04-132023-04-132015-03-01https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/10670210.1177/0266242613484777This article uses the sociological method of structured observation to explore the every day behaviour of entrepreneurs from an exploration-exploitation perspective. Six entrepreneurs leading successful growth-oriented businesses were observed for a four-day period and 2305 ‘units of action' performed by the entrepreneurs were recorded. Six behavioural patterns that allowed them, their management team or the organisation as a whole to pursue ambidexterity were identified. In contrast with the existing high-level approaches of ambidexterity, this study provides a synthesis of entrepreneur behaviours and competencies to achieve ambidexterity at the operating level.enambidexterityentrepreneur behaviourexploitationexplorationgrowthjournal article