Exploring the Ambidexterity of Learning in Indonesian Start-Up: Moderated-Mediated

Conditions in the digital economy environment such as volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity are particularly unsettling and have the potential to harm firms that are still learning and evolving gradually. The purpose of this research is to examine the balance between exploitative and explorative learning (ambidexterity of learning) inside an Indonesian start-up organization. This study was carried out at 171 startup firms in Indonesia, particularly DI Yogyakarta. Data collecting methods included semi-structured interviews and self-administered surveys. Data analysis was performed using Process-Macro software. The research findings suggest that startup firms can achieve ambidexterity of learning if the owner possesses engaging with others and human center capabilities. The analysis shows that the capability of engaging with others has a mediating effect on the effect of engaging with other on the ambidexterity of learning. On the other hand, the effect of engaging with others on the ambidexterity of learning is reinforced by the navigating problem capability of the owner. This study found a negative relationship from the effects of moderated-mediation analyses. This paper uses Process Macro in testing the moderated-mediation hypothesis. The research findings confirm the theory of knowledge-based views (engaging with others, navigating problems, and human center) and organizational learning theory (ambidexterity of learning), makes the study relevant and valuable to better understand the role and type of ambidexterity learning among Indonesian start-ups firm. By confirming a paradoxical phenomenon involving organizational ambidextrous practices among SMEs, this article establishes new ground.