The mediating role of the novelty ecosystem between personality traits, entrepreneurial networks and entrepreneurial ambidexterity among small and medium enterprises

Abstract

This paper examines the mediating effect of the novelty ecosystem in the relationship between personality traits, entrepreneurial networking and entrepreneurial ambidexterity. Three hundred eighty-two SMEs in Kampala, Uganda, were studied to explore the influence of the novelty ecosystem. The results show that novelty ecosystem mediates the relationship between personality traits, entrepreneurial networking and entrepreneurial ambidexterity. This suggests that novelty ecosystem is a conduit through which personality traits and entrepreneurial networking relate to entrepreneurial ambidexterity. Business owners/managers should, therefore, create an enabling environment for employees to interact, learn from others through constructive feedback and tolerate learning through slip-ups and putting in place flexible policies to allow creativity. In effect, business owners/managers should create environments that are conducive to opportunity exploration, tension and exploitation.