Title: Information Systems Capability and Corporate Ambidexterity of SMES in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Chigbu, Elvis Chisom and B. Chima Onuoha
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 311-319
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between information systems competency and corporate ambidexterity among small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Rivers State, Nigeria. Information systems competence was operationalised using two dimensions: IT infrastructure flexibility and information management capability, whilst corporate ambidexterity was assessed using exploratory and exploitative ambidexterity. The study used a cross sectional research design with a structured questionnaire. The accessible populations comprise of 398 managerial staff of SMEs within River State. A sample of 196 was drawn using Krejcie and Morgan 1970 table. The hypotheses were tested using Spearman's Rank Correlation at a 95.5% confidence level. The study found a strong and significant positive link between IT infrastructure flexibility and both exploratory and exploitative ambidexterity. Similarly, information management capability was discovered to be positively and significantly related to exploratory and exploitative ambidexterity. The study shows that improving information systems capability considerably increases SMEs' dual capacity to pursue new possibilities while leveraging existing resources. It recommends strategic investments in flexible IT infrastructure and robust information management systems to boost Nigerian SMEs' creativity, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.