Impact of Project Complexity on Project Success through Mediating Role of Knowledge Management Practices Moderating Role of Ambidextrous Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to empirically test the impact of project complexity on project success with knowledge management as a mediator and ambidextrous leadership as a moderator. The sample was drawn using convenient sampling technique. The data were collected through survey method, from branches of IT firms in Pakistan (n = 346). The data were analyzed using regression analyses. The findings suggested that project complexity is not negatively associated with project success. One reason for this could be that every one of the respondents were working in similar project and organizational settings so paying little mind to experience and age, they knew about the complexity elements related inside and remotely to the organizational settings and project. On the other hand for the projects to be successful, the leaders need to be ambidextrous by being explorative and exploitative according to the situation to meet challenges and overcome constraints. Knowledge management mediates the relationship between project complexity and project success. Furthermore, results indicated that ambidextrous leadership positively moderates the relationship between project complexity and project success. The study has practical implications on an organizational level, presenting certain guidelines to understand how project complexity affects the success of projects within the organization.