Indirect influence of agility on the association between leanness and sustainable performance: a research on Indian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among leanness, agility (AG) and sustainable performance (SP). To get a holistic picture, the current investigation examines the indirect relationship between leanness and SP by taking AG as mediator. Design/methodology/approach The authors have opted for primary data technique to collect the data from the targeted audience (i.e. individuals working in top managerial positions in manufacturing micro, small and medium-sized enterprises). Although there were a total of 411 legitimate replies obtained, the total number of people targeted for the sample was 700. Covariance-based software was used to examine the associations among mentioned variables. Findings The results showed that the direct association among leanness, AG and SP was significant, expect among one of sub-dimensions of leanness and SP. Further, the indirect relationship between leanness and SP through AG was strong and significant. The findings indicate that leanness plays a substantial role in determining AG in micro, small and medium firms (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises). Furthermore, it is important to point out that the interaction between leanness and SP is strengthened when AG acts as a mediator among the two. Implications The results of this analysis could be useful for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to simultaneously deploy leanness and AG. To a similar extent, the paper has the potential to play a significant part in supporting policymakers in the formulation of specific policies concerning leanness, AG and SP. Originality/value The research work is novel and solely carried by the authors.