Agile Management Practices in Dynamic Business Environments: Balancing Flexibility and Stability

Abstract

This research aims to understand the application of the agile management framework, especially the concept of flexibility and stability in the contemporary business environment. With organizations experiencing rapid change they must know how to apply the agile methodologies correctly. Both qualitative interviews and quantitative questionnaires were used and completed by managers from a range of industries. Descriptive analysis of data collected allowed for the determination of the extent of the use of agile practices, the problems encountered, and the practices implemented in organizations. The survey results show that 66.7% of the participants are of the view that their organizations have struck a good mean between flexibility and stability. Some of the serious issues highlighted are: resistance to change was cited by 44.4% of the respondents and the second most cited problem was the problem of scaling agility which was cited by 31.1% of the respondents. Continuous training and cross-functional collaboration were found to be the best practices that have helped in improving agility (42.2% and 35.6% respectively). This study strongly suggests that effective leadership and organizational culture are crucial to the application of agile management methodologies. Though organizations understand the concept of agility, solving problems and utilizing the best practices that are discovered are crucial. This study advances knowledge on agile management in environments with high levels of change and provides practical recommendations for managers who want to strengthen their organizations’ ability to adapt to change.