Strategic Agility in Modern Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review of Drivers, Mediators, and Business Outcomes
Keywords:
Strategic Agility; Organizational Agility; Digital Transformation; Dynamic Capabilities; Innovation Capability.Abstract
Purpose This study addresses the fragmented understanding of strategic agility by examining the drivers, mediating mechanisms, and business outcomes that shape organizational adaptability in dynamic environments. The study aims to synthesize existing evidence and develop an integrated conceptual framework that explains how strategic agility is formed and how it contributes to organizational success.
Methods This research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A total of 44 studies published between 2014 and 2026 were systematically identified, screened, and analyzed. Data were extracted using a structured review protocol and synthesized through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns, antecedent factors, mediating mechanisms, and organizational outcomes associated with strategic agility.
Findings The review reveals that strategic agility is primarily driven by digital transformation, digital leadership, information technology capability, knowledge management, organizational learning, innovation capability, and environmental responsiveness. The findings further indicate that organizational innovation, market orientation, absorptive capacity, organizational ambidexterity, creativity, and dynamic capabilities serve as important mediating mechanisms that transform agility-related resources into organizational value. Strategic agility contributes to multiple outcomes, including organizational performance, innovation performance, competitive advantage, sustainable performance, and organizational resilience. Based on these findings, the study proposes an integrated Strategic Agility Conceptual Framework that consolidates the relationships among drivers, mediators, and business outcomes.
Research Implications This study contributes to strategic management literature by providing a comprehensive framework that advances theoretical understanding of strategic agility and offers practical guidance for organizations seeking to strengthen adaptability, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability in rapidly changing business environments.
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References
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