Continuous innovation in the hotel industry: The development of organizational ambidexterity through human capital and organizational culture in Spanish hotels

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the use of high-performance work systems (HPWSs) facilitates the development of organizational ambidexterity directly or through a mediating variable such as ambidextrous organizational culture. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical model and the hypotheses proposed were tested using a sample of 100 Spanish hotels. The data analysis method used was the partial least squares. Findings – The results of the research confirm that HPWSs exert a direct influence on organizational ambidexterity. HPWSs shape and integrate exploitative and exploratory activities through the construction of a culture that promotes organizational diversity and shared vision, which are needed to shape a suitable context for ambidexterity. Therefore, ambidextrous organizational culture emerges as a mediating variable between HPWSs and organizational ambidexterity. Finally, the ambidexterity of hotels has a positive impact on their performance. Originality/value – The present paper presents new alternatives when undertaking research on organizational ambidexterity. More specifically, this research incorporates a mediator variable called ambidextrous organizational culture between HPWSs and organizational ambidexterity, which has not been considered before.