Organizational learning, NPD and environmental uncertainty: An ambidexterity perspective

On the theoretical level, this study formulates a research model that explains underlying relationships among explorative/exploitative learning (EI), new product development (NPD), environmental uncertainty (EU) and firm performance, based primarily on the organizational learning theory and contingency view; while on an empirical level, it examines these relationships in the emerging economy context of China. The empirical results suggest that both explorative and EI have inverted U-shape relationships with firm performance, and that the two types of learning can work in complement. Meanwhile, NPD works as a key mediator between explorative learning and firm performance. Furthermore, its respective relationships between the two types of learning and firm performance are differently moderated by external EU. The article also discusses theoretical as well as managerial implications and highlights future research directions. Asian Business & Management (2011) 10, 529-553. doi:10.1057/abm.2011.21; published online 31 August 2011