Individual Readiness for Change; the Dyadic of Transformational Leadership and Ambidextrous Behaviors

Purpose – This paper investigates the influence of transformational and ambidextrous behaviors on individual readiness for change within the context of work related changes induced by quality assurance and accreditation attempts in Egyptian Universities.
Methodology – A self-reported survey was distributed to faculty members in four Egyptian Universities (two private and two public), 500 surveys were distributed and 435 were collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS/AMOS statistical software.
Findings – Results showed that transformational leadership had a positive effect on individual readiness for change moderated by ambidextrous behaviors. The empirical investigation revealed varying impacts of multiple research constituents.
Research implications – Despite the documented importance of individual readiness for change in the management literature, scare research was found regarding the role of effective leadership styles in the context of universities nevertheless in Egypt. This study serves as a strong foundation for future research in this area, which is at its nascence and upcoming in the researchers’ community.
Practical implications – Leaders need to set clear agenda and effectively communicate the appropriateness and benefits of change to their subordinates for developing positive behaviors towards desirable organizational outcomes.
Originality – This paper attempts to determinate both transformational and ambidextrous leaders' behaviors influencing subordinates readiness to embark on work changes related to quality assurance and accreditation in Egyptian universities.