Agile Leadership and Strategic Resilience in the Era of Disruptive Innovation: Preparing Organizations for the Future of Work
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In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting workforce dynamics, and pervasive market volatility, the ability of organizations to remain adaptive and forward-looking has become paramount. This study explores the intertwined roles of agile leadership and strategic resilience as critical enablers of organizational preparedness in the face of disruptive innovation and the evolving future of work. The purpose of the research is to examine how agile leadership practices foster strategic resilience, enabling organizations to not only respond effectively to disruptions but also proactively anticipate change and innovate continuously. Using a qualitative methodology, the study employs semi-structured interviews with 20 senior leaders and managers from diverse industries who have navigated major disruptions such as digital transformation, AI integration, remote work transitions, and global supply chain challenges. The findings reveal that agile leaders play a central role in promoting organizational learning, psychological safety, flexible decision-making, and innovation orientation—key components that underpin strategic resilience. The study contributes to leadership and change management literature by offering an integrative framework linking agility, resilience, and readiness for the future of work. It also provides actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers aiming to build future-fit organizations. The research is particularly useful for HR leaders, strategy professionals, and executive decision-makers who seek to embed agility and resilience into their organizational culture and strategic planning processes. Practical implications include the need to invest in agile leadership development, foster adaptive capabilities, and redesign organizational structures to support continuous transformation in an uncertain and fast-paced business environment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Shankar Subramanian Iyer, Dr Sangeeta Malhotra
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