Fostering Innovative Work Behaviour Through Positive Work Environment: The Moderating Role of Ambidextrous Leadership Evidence From Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Innovation is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of organizational competitiveness, yet the mechanisms that foster employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB) remain underexplored. This study investigates the effect of a positive work environment on IWB, with a focus on the moderating role of ambidextrous leadership. Drawing on organizational climate and leadership theories, the research proposes that supportive workplace conditions directly encourage creativity and idea generation, while ambidextrous leadership balancing opening behaviours that promote exploration with closing behaviours that ensure discipline enhances the translation of these ideas into actionable innovations. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from industry professionals using validated scales for workplace climate, ambidextrous leadership, and innovative work behaviour. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to test the hypothesized relationships. The findings are expected to confirm that positive work environments significantly influence IWB, and that ambidextrous leadership moderates this relationship, thereby strengthening the impact of workplace positivity on innovation outcomes. This study contributes theoretically by bridging organizational climate and leadership research, extending ambidextrous leadership theory to individual-level innovation, and clarifying pathways to innovation. Practically, it offers actionable insights for organizations to cultivate supportive environments and develop ambidextrous leadership capabilities, ensuring sustained innovation in dynamic markets.