Antecedents and consequences of organizational ambidexterity: the moderating role of networking

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a holistic model regarding the antecedents and consequences of organizational ambidexterity in the context of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly for developing countries such as Turkey. Moreover, this paper also aims to reveal the moderating role of networking between organizational ambidexterity and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach By studying 105 SMEs engaged in small business and technology development centers (SBTDCs), structural equation modeling through SmartPLS is executed. Findings The findings show that: discipline and support positively influence the formation and the maintenance of organizational ambidexterity; organizational ambidexterity significantly contributes to firm performance; and the greater the networking the greater the relationship between exploitation capability and firm performance. Originality/value To date, there has been no systematic attempt in the extant literature to develop a holistic manner of organizational ambidexterity, with its antecedents and consequences in the context of SMEs in general, in SMEs of a developing country, Turkey in particular. Moreover, the moderating role of networking between organizational ambidexterity and a firm’s performance has never been examined.