The Effect of Organization Agility on Organization Performance in the Time of Covid-19: A Case of Universities in Kenya

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented era of challenges, particularly for institutions of higher education worldwide. In Kenya, universities have grappled with disruptions to traditional academic operations, including the sudden shift to remote learning, financial uncertainties, and changes in student and staff dynamics. This dynamic context has underscored the importance of organizational agility as a critical determinant of performance in the face of uncertainty. The ability of universities to swiftly adapt, innovate, and strategically respond to the evolving landscape is paramount for maintaining operational continuity, sustaining educational quality, and safeguarding the well-being of their academic community. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of organization agility on organization performance in the time of Covid-19 in universities in Kenya. The study was anchored The Path Goal Theory and Expectancy Theory. The study utilized mixed research design. The target population was 68 Chartered Public and Private Universities in Kenya. Structured questionnaire was distributed to human resource officer and top management officers from 34 selected universities. Construct validity and Cronbach's alpha was to determine validity and reliability of research instruments. Data was analysed descriptively and inferentially using multiple linear regression. Human resources agility had a positive and significant affect organization performance (β =0. 317; p=0.000). Also, innovation agility had a positive and statistically effect on organization performance (β =0.182; p=0.016). Further, information technology agility had a positive and statistically effect on organization performance (β =0.163; p=0.020). Lastly, strategic agility had a positive and statistically effect on organization performance (β =0.196; p=0.014). Based on the findings, it is recommended that universities institutions should strategically invest in enhancing agility across these four agilities.