The Mediating Role of Innovation Culture in the Relationship Between Absorptive Capacity and Organizational Ambidexterity

Abstract

Today, organizations seek for absorptive capacity, innovation culture and organizational ambidexterity in order to survive in the competition scene. Therefore competitive world, Innovation Culture and Organizational Ambidexterity are considered as key factors to success and survival for organizations. So far, the literature has recognized various items that affect Innovation Culture and Organizational Ambidexterity in organizations. This study examines the mediating role of innovation culture in the relationship between absorptive capacity and organizational ambidexterity dimensions. The population includes 300 managers and professional experts working in production companies from Iran. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Mplus was used for data analysis. The results indicate that innovation culture positively partial mediation the relationship between absorptive capacity on competence exploitation, and competence exploration. Also the results of study showed absorptive capacity and innovation culture enhanced competence exploitation, and competence exploration in production companies from Iran. As was envisaged in the theoretical model and on the same lines indicated by the majority of the publications reviewed, a positive relationship proved to exist between absorptive capacity on innovation culture, also innovation culture on competence exploitation and competence exploration, and finally absorptive capacity on competence exploitation and competence exploration. This means that in those science-related research environments presenting the biggest potential for advances, company commitment to innovation is greater.