How does ambidextrous leadership influence innovative work behavior and employee performance in public service: a study of immigration offices?

As key government institutions within the public sector, immigration offices require continuous innovation. The implementation of ambidextrous leadership can facilitate the achievement of these objectives. However, further research is required to comprehensively understand the impact of ambidextrous leadership on creative work practices within the immigration sector. This study examines the influence of ambidextrous leadership on creative work practices and employee performance. Data were collected from 200 personnel at the Special Class 1 Border Control Immigration Office, Surabaya, using a cross-sectional methodology. Systematic sampling techniques were employed to select participants, and the survey was conducted independently. Structural relationships among open and closed leadership, innovative work behavior (IWB) and employee performance were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that ambidextrous leadership significantly and positively influences innovative work behavior (IWB). Furthermore, IWB has a significant effect on employee performance. Notably, the interplay between creative work practices and ambidextrous leadership demonstrates a substantial impact on employee performance. From a practical perspective, this study provides valuable insights for Immigration Offices, which face high demands for creativity and potential conflict due to direct public engagement.