Strategic Agility in Dynamic Markets: Leveraging Innovation for Competitive Advantage.

Authors

  • George Ingasia Kasamani Scholar, School of Business, Taita Taveta University, Kenya
  • Nancy Chebet Changeiywo Scholar, School of Business, Taita Taveta University, Kenya
  • Prof. Karim Hassanali Omido, Ph.D Professor, School of Business, Taita Taveta University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61108/ijsshr.v2i3.150

Keywords:

Strategic Agility, Dynamic Markets, Leveraging Innovation, Competitive Advantage

Abstract

This study explored the concept of strategic agility in dynamic Kenyan technology markets, emphasizing its role in achieving competitive advantage through innovation and adaptability. Using a qualitative multi-case study approach, the research focused on five leading technology firms characterized by their agility and innovation capabilities. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, corporate reports, and secondary sources, with analysis facilitated by thematic coding and NVivo software. The findings revealed four critical dimensions of strategic agility: adaptive decision-making, organizational learning, resource reallocation, and innovation-driven strategies. Agile firms relied on decentralized decision-making structures and real-time data analytics to respond to market volatility, supported by continuous learning and partnerships with academic institutions. Resource reallocation practices demonstrated strategic foresight, enabling investments in high-potential projects. The integration of incremental and disruptive innovation strategies further underscored the firms' ability to address immediate market demands while preparing for future challenges. These insights underscore the importance of cultivating a culture of agility, leveraging digital tools, and fostering continuous learning for sustained competitiveness. Recommendations highlight the need for flexible resource allocation mechanisms, structured training programs, and external collaborations to enhance agility. Future research could examine external influences on strategic agility, industry-specific factors, and the role of digital tools in fostering agility, particularly within small and medium-sized enterprises in Kenya.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

. Ahmed, A., Bhatti, S. H., Gölgeci, I., & Arslan, A. (2022). Digital platform capability and organizational agility of emerging market manufacturing SMEs: The mediating role of intellectual capital and the moderating role of innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121946

. Amini, M., & Rahmani, A. (2023). How strategic agility affects the competitive capabilities of private banks. International Journal of Basic and Applied Research. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4408544

. Arsawan, I. W. E., Hariyanti, N. K. S. D., & others. (2022). Developing organizational agility in SMEs: An investigation of innovation's roles and strategic flexibility. Journal of Open Innovation. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8010039

. Clauss, T., Kraus, S., Kallinger, F. L., & Bican, P. M. (2021). Organizational ambidexterity and competitive advantage: The role of strategic agility in the exploration-exploitation paradox. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2020.08.001

. Elali, W. (2021). The importance of strategic agility to business survival during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. International Journal of Business Ethics and Governance. https://ijbeg.com/index.php/1/article/view/64

. Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Mahdiraji, H. A., & Busso, D. (2022). Towards agility in international high-tech SMEs: Exploring key drivers and main outcomes of dynamic capabilities. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121953

. Medeiros, M. M., & Maçada, A. C. G. (2022). Competitive advantage of data-driven analytical capabilities: The role of big data visualization and organizational agility. Management Decision. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-12-2020-1681

. Sultana, S., Akter, S., & Kyriazis, E. (2022). How data-driven innovation capability is shaping the future of market agility and competitive performance. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121782

. Teece, D., Peteraf, M., & Leih, S. (2016). Dynamic capabilities and organizational agility: Risk, uncertainty, and strategy in the innovation economy. California Management Review. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.4.13

. Wamba, S. F. (2022). Impact of artificial intelligence assimilation on firm performance: The mediating effects of organizational agility and customer agility. International Journal of Information Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102520

. Zahoor, N., Golgeci, I., Haapanen, L., & Ali, I. (2022). The role of dynamic capabilities and strategic agility of B2B high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises during COVID-19 pandemic: Exploratory case studies. Industrial Marketing Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2022.01.006

Downloads

Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Kasamani, G. I., Changeiywo, N. C., & Karim, H. O. (2024). Strategic Agility in Dynamic Markets: Leveraging Innovation for Competitive Advantage. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research (IJSSHR) ISSN 2959-7056 (o); 2959-7048 (p), 2(3), 404–410. https://doi.org/10.61108/ijsshr.v2i3.150