Influence of workforce agility on crisis management: Role of job characteristics and higher administrative support in public administration

Crisis Management is a critical and challenging function across various forms of government. Crisis situations hardly give much time to the individuals and organizations for preparation. Accordingly, it is more likely that an agile workforce will better manage crisis in government organizations. This study explores the influence of workforce agility, on crisis management by government departments and examines the probable role of higher administrative support, and job characteristics over crisis management. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 263 government administrative officers of Odisha, India. Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse the data with the help of AMOS. The results indicate that workforce agility, higher administrative support, and enriched job characteristics contribute towards better crisis management. Furthermore, higher administrative support, and enriched job characteristics were found to be antecedents of workforce agility and influence crisis management through the mediator workforce agility. The findings of this study will be helpful for government agencies and departments in creating an agile workforce for effective management of crisis.