Abstract:
In a dynamic
and globally competitive business environment there is a need for
organisations and their leaders to continuously scan the environment within which
they operate for threats and opportunities. Organisational strategies cannot remain
static in such environments but must be agile in order to remain relevant to customer
needs . This study explores the competencies requisite for managers and their
organisations to achieve strategic agility, t hus enabling firm performance in the South
African wholesale and retail sector. To achieve this, a study was undertaken to gain
insights from participants in the wholesale and retail sector.
This research employed a qualitative approach grounded in an interpretivist
philosophy. The research questions were answered through semi structured
interviews with key stakeholders within the South African wholesale and retail sector
The
findings sho w the need for a hybrid model involving virtual retail and physical
brick and mortar outlets in response to contextual factors such as high
unemployment, inequality, technological advancements, big data analytics, and
customer preferences. Further findings contribute to the body of literature by
identifying competencies for strategic agility and align ing these to the dynamic
capabilities framework through sensing, seizing and transforming opportunities in the
environment to propel the firm towards its perfo rmance objectives.
