Green learning orientation, green knowledge acquisition and ambidextrous green innovation

Abstract

Drawing on resource-based theory, this study proposes a moderated mediation model to facilitate ambidextrous green innovation. The relationship of green learning orientation and ambidextrous green innovation is discussed, and the mediating role of green knowledge acquisition and the moderating role of environmental organizational culture are examined. The empirical results show that green learning orientation has a positive effect on both exploitative and exploratory green innovations, and that its effect on exploratory green innovation is stronger than on exploitative green innovation. Green knowledge acquisition plays a partial mediating role between green learning orientation, exploitative and exploratory green innovations. Environmental organizational culture moderates not only the relationship between green learning orientation and green knowledge acquisition, but also the link between green knowledge acquisition and exploratory green innovation. However, environmental organizational culture doesn’t moderate the relationship between green knowledge acquisition and exploitative green innovation. The results further reveal that the mediating role of green knowledge acquisition on green learning orientation and ambidextrous green innovation is stronger when environmental organizational culture is high. This study extends previous research by emphasizing the importance of green learning orientation in the context of sustainable development, and enriches existing research of green innovation.