Abstract
The paper extends the principle of ambidexterity to the Human Resource (HR) and develops construct of Human Resource skill ambidexterity, drawing from the extant research on HR fit and flexibility. It is further argued that such an ambidexterity helps in managing project risks. Data is collected from project managers of 189 outsourced IT projects completed by Indian IT service vendors. Multi variate analysis is used to test the direct effect of HR skill ambidexterity on project performance. Empirical evidence shows that executed HR flexibility constituting of multiskilled contributions and general adaptability behaviour partially mediates the effect of skill ambidexterity on PP. Also Executed HR skill flexibility moderates the negative influence of project performance risks in form of new client requirements and coordination challenges on project performance. The research addresses a major gap in the conceptualization of HR skill ambidexterity and demonstrates its utility in mitigating performance risk, a relationship under studied in extant research. The paper extends the principle of ambidexterity to the Human Resource (HR) and develops construct of Human Resource skill ambidexterity, drawing from the extant research on HR fit and flexibility. It is further argued that such an ambidexterity helps in managing project risks. Data is collected from project managers of 189 outsourced IT projects completed by Indian IT service vendors. Multi variate analysis is used to test the direct effect of HR skill ambidexterity on project performance. Empirical evidence shows that executed HR flexibility constituting of multiskilled contributions and general adaptability behaviour partially mediates the effect of skill ambidexterity on PP. Also Executed HR skill flexibility moderates the negative influence of project performance risks in form of new client requirements and coordination challenges on project performance. The research addresses a major gap in the conceptualization of HR skill ambidexterity and demonstrates its utility in mitigating performance risk, a relationship under studied in extant research.