Pure structures or ambidextrous configurations? A grounded theory of knowledge-focused organizational design in innovative ventures

International business competence and innovation performance: the role of ambidextrous organizational culture andenvironmental dynamism

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of international business competence (IBC) on innovation performance of organizations activating in global markets. The study also explores whether ambidextrous organizational culture (AOC) acts as an antecedent of IBC and whether the environmental dynamism affects the IBC–innovation performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assessed the hypothesized relationships using data collected from a sample of companies operating in the Norwegian seafood industry. The direct, mediating and moderating effects were tested using partial least squares (PLS) with SmartPLS software application.

Findings

The empirical analysis revealed that AOC is positively associated with IBC, while IBC is a significant predictor of innovation performance. The findings also corroborated the proposed mediation effect of IBC, but refuted the moderating role of environmental dynamism.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international business literature by suggesting that companies equipped with IBC can excel in innovative undertakings and that organizational culture can be effectively leveraged to develop such competences.