The interplay of green entrepreneurial orientation, ambidextrous green innovation and environmental performance

Purpose This study aims to investigate how green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) influences environmental performance (EP) through ambidextrous green innovation (AGI), which includes both exploratory and exploitative approaches. It also examines the moderating roles of resource orchestration capability (ROC) and green technology dynamism (GTD). The research uses a resource–environment interaction framework, focusing on manufacturing firms in a developing-country context. This responds to global climate challenges and the need to improve EP. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a positivist paradigm and a deductive approach, using a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Structured questionnaires provided data from 370 respondents in Ethiopian manufacturing MSEs between September 10 and November 10, 2024. The analysis used structural equation modeling with AMOS 25 to test the proposed model. Data screening and descriptive analysis were conducted using SPSS 27. Findings The results reveal that GEO significantly enhances EP, both directly and indirectly through AGI. ROC and GTD also have significant moderating effects. Moderated-mediation analysis confirms that ROC and GTD strengthen the indirect impact of GEO on EP via AGI. Practical implications The findings give managers in emerging markets clear guidance on how leveraging GEO and AGI can enhance EP. Strengthening ROC and adapting to GTD also help firms move toward innovation-driven, environmentally sustainable business models. Originality/value This study tests a moderated-mediation model linking GEO, AGI, and EP in emerging economies. By adding ROC and GTD, it deepens the understanding of how GEO interacts with environmental and technological factors to improve firm performance.