Ambidexterity–resilience nexus and innovation: A focus on SMEs in a developing world setting

Research links ambidexterity and innovation. However, the impact of the relationship between ambidextrous innovation and resilience relative to ambidexterity outcomes in the developing world remains atheoretical. Accordingly, this study introduces an ambidextrous innovation–resilience–ambidexterity interface to investigate 300 developing world SMEs. From this phenomenon–theory interface, equation, and regression modelling, we deduce theories to articulate the tenuous relationship between ambidextrous innovation strategies (IT [information technology] and learning capabilities) and resilience relative to ambidexterity outcomes for these SMEs. Juxtaposed against the ambidexterity–resilience link found in mainstream research, we show how the interplay of these ambidextrous innovation strategies with resilience weakens ambidexterity outcomes in a developing world setting, where essential entrepreneurship resources are too limited to meet SMEs’ needs. This study is original because it suggests that ambidextrous behavior may not always yield positive outcomes in a developing world setting, which has implications for research, policymaking, and SME practice.