Crisis management and strategic flexibility: the moderating role of e-readiness. The case of government authorities in the kingdom of Bahrain

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the impact of strategic flexibility and its dimensions (Flexibility of Capacities, The Flexibility of Resources, The Flexibility of Information, and The Flexibility of Coordination) on crisis management and its dimensions (Detection of Early Signals, Preparedness and Prevention, Damage Containment, Activity Recovery, Learning), and having E-Readiness as the moderating variable which was measured through the following dimensions (ICT Infrastructure, Human Resources, Management Requirements and Physical Capabilities) and testing the impact of strategic flexibility on Crisis management in the Kingdom of Bahrain through the interaction effect of the electronic readiness to find whether it improve that impact. The Methodology used as a structural survey. The study was done on a sample of (376) employees working in 14 government authorities located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. These government entities were established to deal with critical aspects of the life of the citizens of Bahrain. Entities were given a particular arrangement which is different from other traditional governments Ministries and departments. These special arrangements were expected to give them a kind of flexibility over other government entities. Government authorities in the Kingdom of Bahrain were the appropriate environment to test the impact of Strategic flexibility on crisis management. The study found a strong positive impact of Strategic flexibility on Crisis Management, and each dimension individually also has a substantial impact on Crisis management. E-readiness intersection impact was not proved but the study found that two dimensions of E-readiness which are Human resources and physical capabilities enhance the relationship between Strategic Flexibility and crisis management.