Journal of Asian Business Strategy

Ambidextrous leadership, innovativeness and sustainable performance of micro-finance firms in Kenya

Beatrice Jepkemboi Bor, Andrew Kimwolo, Peter Nderitu Githaiga — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This paper empirically examines the influence of ambidextrous leadership on the sustainable performance of microfinance institutions in Kenya and the mediating role of innovativeness. The study adopted an explanatory research design incorporating cross-sectional and correlational methodologies. Data was collected from a sample of 215 branch managers from both deposit-taking and credit-only institutions in Kenya through structured questionnaires. Validity and reliability were ensured using expert review, factor analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha. The hypotheses were tested using Hayes model 4, with firm size and age as control variables. The results revealed that ambidextrous leadership had a positive and statistically significant direct effect on sustainable performance. Moreover, innovativeness significantly mediated this relationship, indicating that ambidextrous leaders enhance sustainability partly by fostering innovation. While firm age positively influenced performance, firm size had no significant effect. These findings demonstrate that leadership that balances exploration and exploitation contributes to long-term sustainability, particularly when it enhances organizational innovativeness. This study advances empirical understanding in microfinance contexts and offers actionable insights for managers and policymakers. MFI leaders should invest in innovation-driven practices to strengthen performance outcomes, while regulatory agencies and industry associations should support capacity-building and innovation ecosystems that enable adaptive leadership and long-term institutional sustainability.

Blockchain technology in the hospitality sector: Exploring opportunities and challenges in Bangladeshi hotels

Farooq Hossan, Md. Touhidul Islam, Mohammad Kamrul Hasan — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Blockchain technology creates a good opportunity with different challenges that can be applied in the hospitality industry. The vital question is how blockchain technology can be effectively integrated into Bangladeshi hotel operations to enhance efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction while addressing adoption challenges and opportunities. While previous research highlights blockchain’s potential to transform hospitality operations, most studies are conceptual or focused on developed nations, revealing a need for empirical research that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in Bangladeshi hotel operations. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data from literature and industry reports, along with expert interviews, and applies thematic analysis to explore blockchain adoption in Bangladeshi hotels. This study reveals that blockchain technology adoption in Bangladesh’s hospitality sector is at a nascent stage, primarily due to low awareness, infrastructural deficiencies, high costs, and a lack of skilled personnel, despite its recognized potential to enhance data security, operational efficiency, transparency, and guest experiences. The findings underscore the urgent need for strategic interventions such as capacity building, regulatory support, and pilot projects to bridge the technological gap, highlighting blockchain's transformative significance for achieving smarter, more resilient hotel operations in Bangladesh, aligned with national development goals like Vision 2041 and the growing demand for digital innovation in tourism.