Creating Flexibility Through Technological and Attitudinal Change

Abstract

Flexibility is well recognized as a predictor of organizational performance. There are two major contributors for creating more flexibility—one through technological changes and the other through attitudinal changes. The moot question is, which one of these two changes is more effective in bringing out flexibility in the organizations. Though flexibility can be enhanced by both the means, one may prove to be more effective than the other. The technological changes in terms of implementation of ERP, e-governance, analytics solutions, and other smart technologies are intended to create more flexibility in terms of reduction in cycle time, more options, and quick changes. On the other hand, the working of organizations can be made more flexible with a constructive attitude of actors involved; even without any use of technology. It is comparatively easier to bring technological change. The case of attitudinal change might be still more complex and time consuming. The attitudinal change is more fundamental that acts as an enabler of the successes of any technology change initiatives in an organization.