Mapping Agility Factor Dependencies in the IT Sector of Humanitarian Organizations Using the ISM Approach

Abstract

Organizations are gradually relying on Information Technology (IT) to assist them in addressing unexpected challenges they face in their daily operations. The reliance is particularly essential in humanitarian settings where agility and adaptability are crucial. To examine the factors influencing IT agility in the humanitarian context, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), along with MICMAC analysis, were applied. After identifying interconnections among the factors, they were classified according to their driving and dependence power. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and flexible strategies to maintain operational efficacy. While the diverse insights gained from the research are valuable, this diversity could also be considered a limitation. The IT experts, who participated in the study, hold diverse positions across different IT sectors within the organization. The consistency of the results may be impacted by differences in how these factors are seen and prioritized in their specific work settings, rather than a unified perspective on IT agility.  Future studies can explore the dynamics across different sectors or with a larger sample size to validate the results in a broader context. This study contributes to the understanding of how IT agility can be managed and optimized in humanitarian contexts, providing valuable insights for practitioners and researchers.