Exploring the Interplay between Ambidextrous Leadership and Organizational Engagement Among the Millennials: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

Purpose: This study aims to unravel the complexities of the relationship between ambidextrous leadership, perceived organizational support, person-organization fit, and organizational engagement among millennial employees. Specifically, the study investigates how ambidextrous leadership may amplify the impact of perceived organizational support on the organizational engagement. Design/methodology/approach: We collected data through a two-phase online survey, targeting two groups: man-agement-level and staff-level employees. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed with an 86 percent response rate from 27 four- and five-star hotels in Bali. The moderated mediation model was tested by employing PROCESS. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 top managers from ten four-star hotels. Findings: The primary finding of this study is the demonstration of the moderated mediation effect of ambidextrous leadership on the relationship between perceived organizational support and P-O fit perception. This indicates that ambidextrous leadership not only moderates the direct impact of perceived organizational support on the perceived fit but also enhances the mediating effect of perceived fit on organizational engagement. Research limitations/implications: This study found that leaders who are able to balance innovative exploration and operational exploitation can strengthen the effect of organizational support on an individual's perceived fit with the organization. The finding enhanced the framework of conservation of resources theory; ambidextrous lead-ership creates a resource-rich work environment and builds a sense of engagement toward the organization. Originality/value: The originality of this research lies in its ability to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the moderated mediation relationship through the lens of conservation of resources theory, an area that has been largely unexplored in existing literature. By highlighting the role of ambidextrous leadership in creating a re-source-rich environment that fosters both support and fit, this study provides valuable insights into enhancing organ-izational engagement among millennial employees in the hospitality industry.