Digital Transformation, Organizational Capabilities, and Agility in Cooperatives of the Solidarity Sector
An Empirical Analysis Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65598/rps.6064Keywords:
Digital transformation, Organisational agility, Organisational Capacities, Solidarity economy, Cooperatives, PLS-SEMAbstract
This study examines the influence of Digital Transformation and Organizational Capacity on Organizational Agility in cooperatives and solidarity-based financial funds in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, from the perspective of dynamic capabilities theory. A quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. Organizational Agility was modeled as the dependent variable, while Digital Transformation and Organizational Capacity were included as direct predictors. An interaction term was incorporated to assess a potential moderating effect.
The results indicate that Digital Transformation has a direct and statistically significant influence on Organizational Agility, confirming its role as a key driver of organizational adaptability. The moderating effect of Organizational Capacity is also significant, supporting its role in strengthening the relationship between digital transformation and agility.
These findings expand empirical evidence on digital transformation and organizational agility within an underexplored context such as the solidarity-based sector. From a practical perspective, the results suggest that cooperatives should simultaneously strengthen their internal capacities and digitalization processes, without assuming automatic synergistic effects. The study contributes relevant insights for the design of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation strategies.
Downloads
References
Abdurrahman, A., Gustomo, A., & Prasetio, E. A. (2024). Impact of dynamic capabilities on digital transformation and innovation to improve banking performance: A TOE framework study. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100215
Abdurrahman, A., Gustomo, A., Prasetio, E. A., & Rustiadi, S. (2022). Designing an open innovation framework for digital transformation based on systematic literature review. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Business Intelligence, 8(2), 100–108. https://doi.org/10.20473/jisebi.8.2.100-108
Al-Darras, O. M. A., & Tanova, C. (2022). From Big Data Analytics to Organizational Agility: What Is the Mechanism? SAGE Open, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221106170
Al Jabri, M. A., Shaloh, S., Shakhoor, N., Haddoud, M. Y. y Obeidat, B. Y. (2024). The impact of dynamic capabilities on enterprise agility: The intervening roles of digital transformation and IT alignment. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10(2), 100266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100266
Alqarni, K., Agina, M. F., Khairy, H. A., Al-Romeedy, B. S., Farrag, D. A., & Abdallah, R. M. (2023). The Effect of Electronic Human Resource Management Systems on Sustainable Competitive Advantages: The Roles of Sustainable Innovation and Organizational Agility. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316382
Al-Smadi, M. O. (2025). Factors driving digital transformation: Technological, organizational, and environmental perspectives from Jordanian banks. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(1), 74–82. https://doi.org/10.21511/bbs.20(1).2025.07
Ahmed, A., Bhatti, S. H., Gölgeci, I., & Arslan, A. (2022).
Digital platform capability and organizational agility of emerging market manufacturing SMEs: The mediating role of intellectual capital and the moderating role of environmental dynamism. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 177, 121513.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121513
Ahmed, S. K. (2024). How to choose a sampling technique and determine sample size for research: A simplified guide for researchers. Oral Oncology Reports, 12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oor.2024.100662
Aminudin, A., Tampubolon, N. K. T., Safkaur, O., Makbul, Y., Siswantari, Rahmiati, D., Husain, M. N., & Nuwairah, N. (2024). Investigating electronic human resource management systems, sustainable innovation, and organizational agility on sustainable competitive advantage in the manufacturing industries. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(3), 1481–1492. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.ijdns.2024.3.017
Asif, M., Yang, L. y Hashim, M. (2024). The Role of Digital Transformation, Corporate Culture, and Leadership in Enhancing Corporate Sustainable Performance in the Manufacturing Sector of China. Sustainability, 16(7), 2651. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072651
Atobishi, T., Moh’d Abu Bakir, S., & Nosratabadi, S. (2024). How Do Digital Capabilities Affect Organizational Performance in the Public Sector? The Mediating Role of the Organizational Agility. Administrative Sciences, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14020037
Avalle, G., Ferrero, M. M., & Hernández Bertone, J. (2023). El barrio como simiente de economía popular y comunitaria. Prisma Social, (42), 27–50. https://revistaprismasocial.es/ps/article/view/5133
Becerra Arévalo, J. A., & Giraldo Pérez, Y. E. (2025). El gobierno corporativo en las cooperativas: tendencias y relevancia. REVESCO. Revista de Estudios Cooperativos, 150. https://doi.org/10.5209/reve.104780
Becker, J.-M., Cheah, J.-H., Gholamzade, R., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2023). PLS-SEM’s most wanted guidance. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 35(1), 321–346. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-04-2022-0474
Berente, N., & Seidel, S. (2022). Digital technologies: Carrier or trigger for institutional change in digital transformation? En Digital Transformation and Institutional Theory. Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0733-558X20220000083008
Bogers, M., Zobel, A. K., Afuah, A., et al. (2017). The open innovation research landscape. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 34(6), 771–796.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12434
Cepeda-Carrion, G., Cegarra-Navarro, J.-G., & Cillo, V. (2019). Tips to use partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) in knowledge management. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(1), 67 – 89. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-05-2018-0322
Chwiłkowska-Kubala, A., Cyfert, S., Malewska, K., Mierzejewska, K., Szumowski, W. y Prause, G. (2023). What drives organizational agility in energy sector companies? The role of strategic CSR initiatives and the dimensions of proactive CSR. Sustainable Futures, 6, 100133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sftr.2023.100133
Costa Júnior, R. A., & Nunes, T. S. (2023). The Impact of Agile Transformation in Organizational Culture: From Organizational Practices and Values to Change Management. Perspectivas Em Ciencia Da Informacao, 28. https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-5344/29487
Cubillas-Para, C., Cegarra-Navarro, J. G., & Vătămănescu, E. M. (2024). Gliding from regenerative unlearning toward digital transformation via collaboration with customers and organisational agility. Journal of Business Research, 177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2024.114637
Duque, P., Meza, O. E., Giraldo, D., & Barreto, K. (2021). Economía social y economía solidaria: un análisis bibliométrico y revisión de literatura. REVESCO. Revista de Estudios Cooperativos, 138, e75566. https://doi.org/10.5209/reve.75566
Eisenhardt, K. M. (2021). What is the Eisenhardt Method, really? Strategic Organization, 19(1), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476127020982866
El Alami, N. y El Alaoui, A. (2023). Impact of digital transformation on cooperatives' resilience in the face of the health crisis: case of cooperatives in the Azilal province. International Journal of Performance and Organizations, 2(1), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.55897/ijpo.2023.01.04
Esamah, A., Aujirapongpan, S., Rakangthong, N. K., & Imjai, N. (2023). Agile Leadership and Digital Transformation in Savings Cooperative Limited: Impact on Sustainable Performance Amidst COVID-19. Journal of Human, Earth, and Future, 4(1). www.HEFJournal.org. DOI: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-01-04
Espina-Romero, L., Ríos Parra, D., Gutiérrez Hurtado, H., Peixoto Rodriguez, E., Arias-Montoya, F., Noroño-Sánchez, J. G., Talavera-Aguirre, R., Ramírez Corzo, J. y Vilchez Pirela, R. A. (2024). The Role of Digital Transformation and Digital Competencies in Organizational Sustainability: A Study of SMEs in Lima, Peru. Sustainability, 16(16), 6993. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166993
Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of convenience sampling and purposive sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
Fangqi, D., Irfan, M., & Baloch, Z. (2023). Revolutionizing quality performance through digitization, technology management, and environmental management: a cutting-edge PLS-SEM model analysis with organizational agility as mediator and culture as moderator. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1169145
Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating Structural Equation Models with Unobservable Variables and Measurement Error. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224378101800104
Gao, P., Zhang, J., Gong, Y., & Li, H. (2020). Effects of technical IT capabilities on organizational agility: The moderating role of IT business spanning capability. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 120(5), 941–961. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-08-2019-0433
Gazi, M. A. I., Dhali, S., Masud, A. Al, Ahmed, A., Amin, M. Bin, Chaity, N. S., Senathirajah, A. R. bin S., & Abdullah, M. (2024). Leveraging Green HRM to Foster Organizational Agility and Green Culture: Pathways to Enhanced Sustainable Social and Environmental Performance. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208751
Gegenhuber, T., Logue, D., Hinings, C. R., & Barrett, M. (2022). Institutional perspectives on digital transformation. En Digital Transformation and Institutional Theory. Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0733-558X20220000083001
Gómez Santos, L. L., Bernal Torres, C. A., Rodríguez López, J. E. J. F., Sandoval Reyes, J. G., & Corrales Estrada, A. M. (2025). Dynamic capabilities contribution to organizational performance: The mediator role of business continuity ordinary capabilities. Cogent Business & Management, 12(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2025.2493315
Guzmán, C., Santos, F. J. y Ahumada, P. (2024). Análisis de la transformación digital en las cooperativas agroalimentarias desde la perspectiva de género. CIRIEC: Revista de Economía Pública, Social y Cooperativa, (111), 261-303. https://doi.org/10.7203/CIRIEC-E.111.27932
Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM. European Business Review, 31(1), 2–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203
Hair, J., & Alamer, A. (2022). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2022.100027
Hassan, N. H. y Arshad, N. I. (2023). Information technology personnel competency towards organizational agility: study at Malaysia automotive. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 32(1), 312-317. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v32.i1.pp312-317
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2016). Testing measurement invariance of composites using partial least squares. International Marketing Review, 33(3), 405–431. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMR-09-2014-0304
Henseler, J., Ringle, C. M., & Sarstedt, M. (2015). A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 43(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-014-0403-8
Hoang, H. (2024). Navigating the Digital Landscape: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Technology-Organization-Environment Factors and Digital Transformation Adoption in SMEs. SAGE Open, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241276198
Hutter, K., Brendgens, F.-M., Gauster, S. P. y Matzler, K. (2023). Scaling organizational agility: key insights from an incumbent firm’s agile transformation. Management Decision, 63(6), 1882-1913. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-05-2022-0650
Jewapatarakul, D. y Ueasangkomsate, P. (2024). Digital Organizational Culture, Organizational Readiness, and Knowledge Acquisition Affecting Digital Transformation in SMEs from Food Manufacturing Sector. SAGE Open, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241297405
Kane, G. C., Palmer, D., Phillips, A. N., Kiron, D., & Buckley, N. (2015). Findings from the 2015 Digital Business Global Executive Study and Research Project Strategy, not Technology, Drives Digital Transformation Becoming a digitally mature enterprise In collaboration with. http://sloanreview.mit.edu/digital2015
Khairy, H. A., Baquero, A., & Al-Romeedy, B. S. (2023a). The Effect of Transactional Leadership on Organizational Agility in Tourism and Hospitality Businesses: The Mediating Roles of Organizational Trust and Ambidexterity. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914337
Khristianto, W., Suharyono, Musadieq, M. A., Pangestuti, E. y Mawardi, M. K. (2024). Achieving organizational agility in situation of uncertainty through market sensing capability and innovation. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 45(3), 869-878. https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2024.45.3.17
Marjerison, R. K., Andrews, M. y Kuan, G. (2022). Creating Sustainable Organizations through Knowledge Sharing and Organizational Agility: Empirical Evidence from China. Sustainability, 14(8), 4531. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084531
Nasiri, M., Ukko, J., Saunila, M. y Rantala, T. (2020). Managing the digital supply chain: The role of smart technologies. Technovation, 96-97, 102121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2020.102121
Latukismo, T. H., Usman, I., Yulianti, P., & Utomo, F. C. (2024). Bibliometric Insights into Organizational Agility and Dynamic Capabilities: Analyzing SCOPUS Database. Quality - Access to Success, 25(200), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.47750/QAS/25.200.29
Lou, Y., Hong, A. y Li, Y. (2024). Assessing the Role of HRM and HRD in Enhancing Sustainable Job Performance and Innovative Work Behaviors through Digital Transformation in ICT Companies. Sustainability, 16(12), 5162. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125162
Masduki, L. R., Pakaja, J. A., Wibowo, M., Arifin, Y., Khairunnisa, D., Caska, C., Tuasikal, M. A. y Mustari, M. (2024). Investigating the effects of e-learning, digital transformation, and digital innovation on school performance in the digital era. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8(3), 1567-1576. doi: 10.5267/j.ijdns.2024.3.010
Noronha, M. E. S. de, Martins, J. B. N., Lietti, T., & Silva, R. de S. V. (2022). Driving Competitive Advantage in Cleantech Companies: A Model of Smart Regulation, Organizational Agility, and Technological Innovation. Life Style, 9, e01568. https://doi.org/10.19141/2237-3756.lifestyle.v9.n00sdg.pe01568
Nurkumalawati, I., Wiraputra, A. R., Bawono, S. K., Sohirin, Aji, K. P., Purnomo, A. S., & Wilonotomo. (2024). The role of digital transformation and service quality of integrated passport system based on biometrics on user satisfaction (case study at the immigration department). Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i8.5850
Pelletier, C., L’Écuyer, F., & Raymond, L. (2025). Building organizational agility through digital transformation: A configurational approach in SMEs. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 125(4), 1503–1529. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-05-2024-0488
Qaiyum, S., & Wang, C. L. (2018). Understanding internal conditions driving ordinary and dynamic capabilities in Indian high-tech firms. Journal of Business Research, 90, 206–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.05.014
Reiman, A., Kaivo-oja, J., Parviainen, E., Takala, E. P., & Lauraeus, T. (2023). Human work in the shift to Industry 4.0: a road map to the management of technological changes in manufacturing. International Journal of Production Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2023.2291814
Santos, F. J., Guzmán, C. y Ahumada, P. (2024). Assessing the digital transformation in agri-food cooperatives and its determinants. Journal of Rural Studies, 105, 103168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2023.103168
Sarstedt, M., & Liu, Y. (2024). Advanced marketing analytics using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). In Journal of Marketing Analytics (Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp. 1–5). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41270-023-00279-7
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research methods for business students (8th ed.). Pearson Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574090910954864
Sasmito, T., Nugroho, M., & Shihab Ridwan, M. (2023). The impact of organizational capability, external networking, entrepreneurism, competitive advantage, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) on performance. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 11(2), 833–842. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2022.12.007
Singh, A. y Hess, T. (2017) How Chief Digital Officers Promote the Digital Transformation of their Companies. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16(1), 5. https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/vol16/iss1/5
Songkajorn, Y., Aujirapongpan, S., Jiraphanumes, K. y Pattanasing, K. (2022). Organizational Strategic Intuition for High Performance: The Role of Knowledge-Based Dynamic Capabilities and Digital Transformation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 8(3), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8030117
Sturn, R. (2024). Digital transformation and solidarity in cooperatives. En Cooperatives in an Uncertain World. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-56200-6_6
Surahman, R. H. y Legowo, N. (2024). Factors that affecting firm performance mediated by digital transformation in Indonesia’s state-owned enterprises plantation and forestry industries. Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 8(6), 3674-3692. https://doi.org/10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2810
Tallon, P. P., Queiroz, M., Coltman, T., & Sharma, R. (2019). Information technology and the search for organizational agility: A systematic review with future research possibilities. In Journal of Strategic Information Systems (Vol. 28, Issue 2, pp. 218–237). Elsevier B.V. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2018.12.002
Teece, D. J. (2018). Business models and dynamic capabilities. Long Range Planning, 51(1), 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2017.06.007
Teece, D., Peteraf, M., & Leih, S. (2016). Dynamic Capabilities and Organizational Agility: Risk, Uncertainty, and Strategy in the Innovation Economy. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.4.13
Teixeira, E. G., Marconatto, D. A. B., Dias, M. F. P., Auler, D. P., & Wegner, D. (2021). Solidarity economy cooperatives: The impact of governance and gender on member income. Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 32(1), 85–104. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.21480
Thi, M. D. y Thu, T. D. (2025). How internal factors determine digital transformation: The moderating role of leader’s project management competence. Journal of Project Management, 10(2), 271-282. https: DOI:10.5267/j.jpm.2025.2.002
Torrado Porto, R. y Sili, M. E. (2020). Toma de decisiones y gestión productiva en el sector agropecuario del noreste de La Pampa (Argentina). Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural, 58(2). https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9479.2020.198357
Uharte Pozas, L. M., Hernández Bertone, J., & Curto López, S. (2023). Economía solidaria: sinergias y conflictos con lo público. Prisma Social, (42), 1–3. https://revistaprismasocial.es/ps/article/view/5220
Uharte Pozas, L. M. (2023). Ekonopolo: sinergias y diferencias de una experiencia de co construcción entre lo público y entidades de economía solidaria. Prisma Social, (42), 4–26. https://revistaprismasocial.es/ps/article/view/5145
Vial, G. (2019). Understanding digital transformation: A review and a research agenda. MIS Quarterly, 43(1), 223–252. https://doi.org/10.25300/MISQ/2019/15764
Villalba-Eguiluz, U., Sahakian, M., González-Jamett, C., & Etxezarreta, E. (2023). Social and solidarity economy insights for the circular economy: Limited-profit and sufficiency. Journal of Cleaner Production, 418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138050
Walter, A. T. (2021). Organizational agility: ill-defined and somewhat confusing? A systematic literature review and conceptualization. Management Review Quarterly, 71(2), 343–391. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-020-00186-6
Warner, K. S. R., & Wäger, M. (2019). Building dynamic capabilities for digital transformation: An ongoing process of strategic renewal. Long Range Planning, 52(3), 326–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2018.12.001
Xu, M., Zhang, Y., Sun, H., Tang, Y., & Li, J. (2024). How digital transformation enhances corporate innovation performance: The mediating roles of big data capabilities and organizational agility. Heliyon, 10(14), e34905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34905
Zeid, M. A. G. A., Mostafa, B., Zoromba, M. A., Abdelnaby, R., Elsayed, M. y El-Gazar, H. E. (2023). Effects of organizational agility on readiness for change in nurses: A cross-sectional study. International Nursing Review, 71(1), 140-147. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12869
Zhang, H., Ding, H. y Xiao, J. (2023). How Organizational Agility Promotes Digital Transformation: An Empirical Study. Sustainability, 15(14), 11304. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411304
Zhao, N. (2024). Digital transformation and innovation performance: The mediating roles of open innovation and absorptive capacity. En ICMSEM Proceedings.
https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-570-6_39
Zheng, Y., Mei, L., & Chen, W. (2024a). Does government policy matter in the digital transformation of farmers’ cooperatives? A tripartite evolutionary game analysis. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1398319
Zhou, S. S., Zhou, A. J., Feng, J., & Jiang, S. (2019). Dynamic capabilities and organizational performance: The mediating role of innovation. Journal of Management & Organization, 25(5), 731–747. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2017.20
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Authors retain copyright and transfer to the journal the right of first publication and publishing rights
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Those authors who publish in this journal accept the following terms:
-
Authors retain copyright.
-
Authors transfer to the journal the right of first publication. The journal also owns the publishing rights.
-
All published contents are governed by an Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Access the informative version and legal text of the license. By virtue of this, third parties are allowed to use what is published as long as they mention the authorship of the work and the first publication in this journal. If you transform the material, you may not distribute the modified work. -
Authors may make other independent and additional contractual arrangements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the article published in this journal (e.g., inclusion in an institutional repository or publication in a book) as long as they clearly indicate that the work was first published in this journal.
- Authors are allowed and recommended to publish their work on the Internet (for example on institutional and personal websites), following the publication of, and referencing the journal, as this could lead to constructive exchanges and a more extensive and quick circulation of published works (see The Effect of Open Access).
