Enhancing organizational agility and crisis preparedness in SMMEs

Abstract

During significant economic instability, SMMEs are vital to economic stability and prosperity, especially in rising economies like South Africa. This study examines how financial flexibility, technology adaptability, leadership and strategic vision, and crisis preparedness enhance SMME agility and crisis management. To help managers, policymakers, and researchers understand how SMMEs flourish during crises, the research investigates five important capabilities. A cross-sectional survey of 204 South African SMME owners and managers from various industries was conducted in this quantitative study. Researchers used a structured questionnaire to evaluate how dynamic abilities affect organizational agility and crisis readiness. Reliability, correlation, and multiple regression were employed in SPSS to assess study hypotheses. The reliability research showed strong constructs with good Cronbach's alpha values for all variables. Correlation and regression indicated that some traits improve organizational resilience. The results demonstrate that agility and preparation require different dynamics. Financial and decision-making flexibility are the most crucial agility factors for SMMEs to adapt fast. Targeted training, clear communication, and crisis management resource allocation increased crisis readiness. Integration matters: SMMEs with dynamic capacities were better at handling volatility than those with specialized competencies. This study contextualizes the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Framework in emerging economy SMMEs, a neglected research topic. To understand SMME resilience, this study distinguishes agility and crisis preparation. The paper suggests SMME management invest in financial flexibility, digital transformation, and staff training to create crisis resilience. Policy assistance is needed to give SMMEs the resources and technologies they need to develop these capacities. This study found that dynamic skills make small, medium, and micro companies resilient. To survive and sustain regional economic stability, SMMEs must adapt fast and manage crises due to global problems and market uncertainty. According to the findings, resilience should stress adaptability and preparation through capability development. How industry contexts affect resilience strategies and competencies should be studied longitudinally and sector-specifically. This study seeks to deepen understanding to enable SMMEs, policymakers, and researchers navigate today's business environment.