The Moderating Role of Organizational Inertia in the Causal Relationship Between Information Technology Utilization and Creativity with Organizational Agility (A Case Study of Employees of Khuzestan Telecommunication Company)

Maryam Khayati; Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor

Authors

Maryam Khayati Department of Information Technology Management-Information Resources Management, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6400-2889
Mohammad Reza Farhadpoor Department of Information Technology Management-Information Resources Management, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Corresponding author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5856-1826

Keywords:

Organizational Inertia, Information Technology Utilization, Creativity, Organizational Agility

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the moderating role of organizational inertia in the causal relationship between information technology utilization and creativity with organizational agility among employees of Khuzestan Telecommunication Company. In terms of purpose, this research was applied in nature and was conducted using an analytical survey method with a correlational-causal approach. The statistical population consisted of all employees of Khuzestan Telecommunication Company. According to records obtained from the Human Resources Department, the population comprised 700 employees. Data collection was carried out through a combination of library-based research and field distribution of questionnaires. To collect the required data, a questionnaire was designed based on instruments employed in previous studies. A five-point Likert scale was used for the questionnaire items. The validity of the instrument was confirmed through face validity, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software. The findings indicated that the status of organizational agility was 2.97, organizational creativity was 3.10, organizational inertia was 2.56, and information technology utilization was 3.24. The results of hypothesis testing revealed that information technology significantly affects organizational agility (path significance value = 4.26; path coefficient between the two latent variables = 0.300). Furthermore, organizational creativity significantly influences organizational agility (path significance value = 3.61; path coefficient between the two latent variables = 0.189). Organizational inertia also exhibited a significant negative effect on organizational agility (path significance value = 10.98; path coefficient between the two latent variables = -0.588). Finally, organizational inertia moderates the causal relationship between information technology utilization and organizational agility in Khuzestan Telecommunication Company (b = -0.124, t = 2.126, p = .034). In other words, with the inclusion of organizational inertia as a moderating variable, the positive effect of information technology utilization on organizational agility is weakened.

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