What drives organizational agility in energy sector companies? The role of strategic CSR initiatives and the dimensions of proactive CSR

Abstract

The speed of global changes, which are forcing energy companies to take proactive initiatives so as to take advantage of market opportunities, increase the importance of organizational agility as a key strategic alignment mechanism. The second most important mechanism determining the development of companies in the energy sector is social responsibility, which by nature should be proactive and embedded in the development strategy. Drawing on research linking organizational agility to social responsibility, this article aims to explain how strategic CSR initiatives and a proactive approach to CSR affect organizational agility in energy sector companies. Data collected from 197 Central European energy firms using CAWI and CATI methods was analyzed using SEM modeling. The results confirm the direct impact of strategic CSR initiatives on organizational agility, through the mediating variable – social dimension of proactive CSR. The study also suggests a direct impact of strategic CSR initiatives on particular types of proactive CSR.

Keywords

• Organizational agility
• Corporate social responsibility
• Strategic CSR initiatives
• Proactive CSR
• Energy companies