Sprinting Towards Sustainability: The Effect of Agile Ways of Working in Retail Sustainability Performance

Abstract

Imagine a large retail company that states it will become more environmentally friendly by reducing emissions, improving working conditions, and utilizing resources more efficiently. However, simply making these promises is not sufficient to make a difference. Many companies find it challenging to translate sustainability goals into tangible outcomes. While rapid economic growth and digital innovation have boosted prosperity and convenience, they have also sped up environmental damage, increasing the need for immediate action. This study explores whether Agile Ways of Working (AWoW) can support the relationship between sustainability strategy and performance. Agile focuses on flexibility, speed, and teamwork. Some retail companies apply AWoW to boost their workflow, and according to literature, it appears to help progress in environmental and social dimensions. Three retail companies were analyzed to understand how AWoW impacts the relationship between sustainability strategies and performance, which was evaluated using the Triple Bottom Line framework: People, Planet, and Profit. According to the findings, companies with strong sustainability strategies outperform their competitors in achieving sustainability goals. Additionally, businesses with high agile maturity, which indicates a cohesive approach to agile practices, leadership, and mindset, performed better on strong sustainability strategies. And there was partial support for the moderator role of AWoW in enhancing sustainability initiatives.