Strategic Agility in the Age of Disruption: Rethinking Business Models

Abstract

The accelerating pace of disruption, driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer preferences, geopolitical uncertainty, and global crises, is challenging the resilience of traditional business models. This study examines strategic agility as a critical organizational capability that enables firms to anticipate change, respond effectively, and reconfigure resources to sustain competitiveness. Using a conceptual and integrative approach, the article draws on contemporary theories of strategy, innovation, and organizational learning to conceptualize strategic agility as a multidimensional construct. The analysis synthesizes peer-reviewed research and conceptually grounded practice-based illustrations from volatile contexts, with particular attention to Middle Eastern and other developing economy settings. Insights presented in this study were derived by synthesizing recent academic contributions and drawing from the practical experiences of firms operating in dynamic environments. The research strategy involved a comprehensive literature review combined with illustrative examples from case studies in these regions. The findings suggest that strategic agility, through sensing environmental changes, seizing emerging opportunities, and transforming business models, supports both short-term adaptability and long-term organizational resilience. Firms that leverage digital transformation, ecosystem partnerships, and adaptive leadership practices are better positioned to withstand disruption and pursue sustainable growth. The article contributes to the literature by proposing an integrative framework that links agility routines to business model transformation and highlights contextual moderators relevant to emerging markets. As a conceptual analysis, the framework provides a foundation for future empirical testing; subsequent research should examine sector-specific applications of strategic agility and assess its effects on organizational performance across diverse regional contexts. Cite this article as: Farag, M. I. H. (2026). Strategic agility in the age of disruption: rethinking business models. Journal of Business Administration and Social Studies, 10, 0037, doi: 10.5152/JBASS.2026.25037.