Impact of Self-Efficacy on Entrepreneurs’ Ambidextrous Behavior in New Ventures: Moderating Effect of Status

Abstract

This article discusses the mechanism of the ambidextrous behavior of entrepreneurs in exploring and exploiting simultaneously in new ventures. We draw on social cognition theory to discuss the influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) on entrepreneurs’ ambidextrous behavior and the moderating effect of their status. We contend that an inverted ‘U’ relationship exists between ESE and entrepreneurs’ ambidextrous behavior. A higher economic status of an entrepreneur strengthens the relationship between ESE and that entrepreneur’s ambidextrous behavior, whereas higher power status weakens the relationship. Analyses of high-tech industry entrepreneurs support our hypotheses in the context of emerging economies, represented by China.

Keywords

• entrepreneurial self-efficacy
• entrepreneurs’ ambidextrous behavior
• status
• new ventures