Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Models: A Case Study on the Integration of Ambidexterity in Community Development

Abstract

This study explores how the integration of ambidexterity in community-based social entrepreneurship can serve as a strategic response to urban environmental and economic challenges. Focusing on three regions in Greater Tangerang, the research investigates the development of ornamental plant-based businesses on former illegal dumping sites as a hybrid solution combining local resource utilization with collaborative innovation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including participatory observation, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SPSS AMOS was applied to assess the relationships among ambidexterity, community engagement, and business sustainability. The findings indicate that ambidexterity significantly enhances both community engagement and the sustainability of social business models. Community engagement also acts as a mediator, reinforcing the participatory nature of social transformation. The ornamental plant model not only provides economic benefits but also improves urban aesthetics and environmental quality, contributing to the psychological well-being of residents. This study highlights the potential of ambidexterity as a framework for designing adaptive, inclusive, and replicable urban business models that align profit, people, and planet. The results contribute to the theoretical discourse on hybrid entrepreneurship models and offer practical insights for grassroots innovation in urban development.