Digital voice drives innovative work behavior: the critical roles of employee ambidexterity, involvement, and organizational agility

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of digitally enabled employee voice (DEEV) on innovative work behavior (IWB), exploring the mediating roles of employee ambidexterity and involvement and the moderating effect of organizational agility (OA). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was used, collecting data from 888 managerial employees (based on purposive sampling) in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector using a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the data. Findings The results indicate that DEEV positively influences both employee ambidexterity and involvement. However, it did not directly affect IWB. Employee ambidexterity and involvement were found to be significant mediators in the relationship between DEEV and IWB. Interestingly, OA did not exhibit a significant moderating effect. Practical implications The findings suggest that organizations should focus on cultivating employee ambidexterity and involvement as key mechanisms to enhance IWB. By leveraging the positive influence of DEEV on IWB, employee ambidexterity and involvement, organizations can create an environment that encourages and supports innovation. Originality/value This research offers originality by investigating the combined mediating roles of employee ambidexterity and employee involvement in the relationship between DEEV and IWB. Furthermore, it examines the moderating effect of OA on these intricate relationships, addressing a significant gap in current literature.