Examining the Impact of Strategic Agility on Performance and Competitiveness in the Banking Industry

The banking industry is currently facing rapid technological changes, environmental shifts, and intense competition. In this context, strategic agility has emerged as one of the most important determinants of long-term organizational success. The main objective of this paper is to examine the impact of strategic agility on performance and competitiveness in commercial banks operating in Iran. The statistical population consists of managers and experts from state-owned and private commercial banks in 2024 (corresponding to the Iranian year 2024), and stratified sampling was used for data collection. The data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using SmartPLS4 software. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the research hypotheses. The results indicate that components of strategic agility—such as rapid responsiveness, organizational flexibility, innovation, and organizational learning—have a significant impact on bank performance and competitiveness. Additionally, the mediating role of performance in the relationship between strategic agility and competitiveness was confirmed. Findings show that banks demonstrating higher levels of strategic agility have achieved better positions in the dynamic competitive environment. Finally, several recommendations are provided for improving strategic agility and enhancing competitiveness in banks.