Measuring agility in local government agencies

Abstract

Purpose

This paper develops an instrument of organizational agility. The instrument is utilized to assess the extent to which Ras Al Khaimah government agencies have adopted agility and to examine its impact on the achievement of strategic outcomes and employee satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The dimensions of agility are determined using factor analysis. The reliability of the dimensions is tested based on the Cronbach alpha coefficient, while the predictive validity of the instrument is assessed using correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The extent to which Ras Al Khaimah government agencies adopted the dimensions of agility is assessed using one-sided T-test, and the difference between the levels of adoption of the dimensions is determined using one-way ANOVA. The relationships between agility the dependent variables of achieving strategic outcomes and employee satisfaction are assessed using multiple linear regression.

Findings

The paper determined two valid and reliable dimensions of organizational agility, namely leadership and strategic sensitivity and resource fluidity. Culture, a third reliable dimension found through factor analysis was found to influence agility indirectly. Government agencies have adopted the two dimensions that are found to increase the achievement of strategic outcomes and employee satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a valid and reliable measure for assessing organizational agility. This measure includes both enablers and capabilities. It adds to the limited empirical research on agility, particularly in the Arab world. The paper focused on local government agencies and its findings may not be applicable in other sectors.

Practical implications

The measure can serve as an effective agility self-assessment tool for organizations, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and specific practices they need to adopt to enhance their agility. This, in turn, allows them to become more responsive to changes, achieve strategic outcomes and improve employee satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper has important research and practical implications. It provides a valid and reliable measure of organizational agility with both enablers and capabilities. This measure can help organizations become agile and achieve higher strategic outcomes and employee satisfaction.

Citation

Jabnoun, N. (2024), "Measuring agility in local government agencies", Management & Sustainability: An Arab Review, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MSAR-09-2023-0048