Determinants of organizational agility in social work in the light of own research

Purpose: This article explores the determinants of organizational agility in social work and identifies how agile practices enhance the effectiveness and adaptability of organizations in this field. The study provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations to improve the responsiveness of social work organizations to dynamic social challenges. Design/methodology/approach: The research is based on a survey conducted in April-May 2023 with 303 respondents representing organizations involved in social work. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on key agility factors, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was applied to identify relationships between variables and dimensions of agility. Findings: The study reveals that agility in social work organizations is driven by quick responses to beneficiary needs, flexibility in adapting activities, collaboration with diverse institutions, continuous communication, and the use of technology. Continuous improvement of methods and inclusion of beneficiaries’ voices are also critical. These factors collectively shape organizations' capacity to adapt and innovate in complex environments. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by its reliance on a single method (survey) and cross-sectional design, which captures a snapshot of agility but not long-term trends. Future research could include longitudinal studies or mixed-method approaches for a more comprehensive understanding. Practical implications: Organizations can enhance agility by fostering collaborative networks, integrating technological solutions, and prioritizing beneficiary engagement to align strategies with evolving social needs. Social implications: Improving agility in social work can enhance service quality and accessibility for vulnerable populations, enabling organizations to address pressing social issues and foster resilient, inclusive communities. Originality/value: This study offers a novel perspective on the intersection of organizational agility and social work, a topic with limited exploration in the literature. By combining empirical data with theoretical analysis, it contributes to understanding and implementing agility in social work organizations. Keywords: social work, organizational agility, organizational, corporate social responsibility, social sector. Category of the paper: research paper.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology Organization and Management Series
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.29119/1641-3466.2025.218.18
Primary Topic
Banking, Crisis Management, COVID-19 Impact
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Determinants of organizational agility in social work in the light of own research

Maria Kocot, György Pál Pápay
Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology Organization and Management Series
Banking, Crisis Management, COVID-19 Impact
article

Determinants of organizational agility in social work in the light of own research

Maria Kocot, György Pál Pápay
article en

Abstract

Purpose: This article explores the determinants of organizational agility in social work and identifies how agile practices enhance the effectiveness and adaptability of organizations in this field. The study provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations to improve the responsiveness of social work organizations to dynamic social challenges. Design/methodology/approach: The research is based on a survey conducted in April-May 2023 with 303 respondents representing organizations involved in social work. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on key agility factors, and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was applied to identify relationships between variables and dimensions of agility. Findings: The study reveals that agility in social work organizations is driven by quick responses to beneficiary needs, flexibility in adapting activities, collaboration with diverse institutions, continuous communication, and the use of technology. Continuous improvement of methods and inclusion of beneficiaries’ voices are also critical. These factors collectively shape organizations' capacity to adapt and innovate in complex environments. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by its reliance on a single method (survey) and cross-sectional design, which captures a snapshot of agility but not long-term trends. Future research could include longitudinal studies or mixed-method approaches for a more comprehensive understanding. Practical implications: Organizations can enhance agility by fostering collaborative networks, integrating technological solutions, and prioritizing beneficiary engagement to align strategies with evolving social needs. Social implications: Improving agility in social work can enhance service quality and accessibility for vulnerable populations, enabling organizations to address pressing social issues and foster resilient, inclusive communities. Originality/value: This study offers a novel perspective on the intersection of organizational agility and social work, a topic with limited exploration in the literature. By combining empirical data with theoretical analysis, it contributes to understanding and implementing agility in social work organizations. Keywords: social work, organizational agility, organizational, corporate social responsibility, social sector. Category of the paper: research paper.

Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology Organization and Management SeriesVol. 2025(218)
Openalex Percentile: Top 90%
Banking, Crisis Management, COVID-19 Impact
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.