 Engaging with complex environments: why agility involves more than running hardChristiane Prange International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, 2016, vol. 3, issue 3, 182-197 Abstract: This article addresses the notion of 'agility' that has recently become very prominent in management practice and research. While part of the concept's popularity derives from the consulting discourse, agility has also been considered a necessary remedy for coping with increasingly complex environments where the traditional strategy of running hard is no longer sufficient. Nevertheless, definitions and practices still tend to concentrate on the aspects of speed and acceleration. In this research note, I trace the origin of the agility concept, introduce a definition that focuses more on decision-making, and develop a model that identifies four critical agility dimensions: identity, capabilities, mindset, and leadership. This model enables analysis of a company's agility based on personal and organisational evaluations and helps to advance the desired future state of adaptability and flexibility responsive to fast-changing environments. Finally, I suggest how the model can be further developed by industry, country, and functional extensions. Keywords: speed; slowness; agility; identity; mindset; capabilities; leadership; complex environments; complexity; agile management; decision making; adaptability; flexibility. (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijclma:v:3:y:2016:i:3:p:182-197 Access Statistics for this article More articles in International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management from Inderscience Enterprises Ltd |
Is your work missing from RePEc? Here is how to contribute.
Questions or problems? Check the EconPapers FAQ or send mail to .
EconPapers is hosted by the
School of Business at Örebro University.