Employee ambidexterity, high performance work systems and innovative work behaviour: How much balance do we need?

Abstract

This study examines whether and how innovative work behaviour is related to explorative and exploitative activities. Polynomial regression analyses are used to test the relationship between ambidexterity (being engaged in explorative and exploitative activities in equal amounts) and innovative work behaviour, as well as between specialisation (being engaged in either explorative or exploitative activities) and innovative work behaviour. Furthermore, we use moderated polynomial regression analyses to examine a possible moderating effect of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on these relationships. Results indicate that balance at a high level, as well as specialisation, are conducive to innovative work behaviour. A moderating effect of HPWS was not supported by our data.