title: Investigating the strategic antecedents of agility in humanitarian logistics.
abstract: This study investigates the strategic antecedents of operational agility in humanitarian logistics. It began by identifying the particular actions to be taken at the strategic level of a humanitarian organisation to support field-level agility. Next, quantitative data (n=59) were collected on four strategic-level capabilities (being purposeful, action-focused, collaborative, and learning-oriented) and on operational agility (field responsiveness and flexibility). Using a quantitative analysis, the study tested the relationship between organisational capacity building and operational agility and found that the four strategic-level capabilities are fundamental building blocks of agility. Collectively they account for 52 per cent of the ability of humanitarian logisticians to deal with ongoing changes and disruptions in the field. This study emphasises the need for researchers and practitioners to embrace a broader perspective of agility in humanitarian logistics. In addition, it highlights the inherently strategic nature of agility, the development of which involves focusing simultaneously on multiple drivers.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer at the Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: L'Hermitte
authors.affiliation: Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Ports and Shipping Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Australia.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.affiliation: Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Deakin University, Australia.
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bowles
authors.affiliation: Professor of Humanitarian Logistics at the Department of International Business and Asian Studies, Griffith Business School, Griffith University, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Tatham
mesh_terms: D000533:Altruism; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009934:Organization and Administration
keywords: agility; humanitarian logistics; humanitarian supply chain; organisational capacity building; risk management; strategic capabilities