AGILE WORK CULTURES IN IT: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF HR'S ROLE IN FOSTERING INNOVATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Abstract

This study systematically examines the role of Human Resources (HR) in fostering agile work cultures within the Information Technology (IT) sector, with a focus on enhancing the innovation supply chain. Through a comprehensive literature review and content analysis, this research explores how HR practices can support and drive the adoption of agile methodologies, thereby contributing to organizational flexibility, innovation, and competitive advantage. The methodology involved sourcing data from academic databases and grey literature, employing a strategic search strategy, and applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify relevant literature. The analysis highlighted the critical role of HR in developing agile leadership, fostering a culture of continuous learning and psychological safety, and leveraging HR technologies to enhance workforce agility. Key findings reveal that HR's strategic interventions in leadership development, learning and development frameworks, and the promotion of agile team dynamics are essential in cultivating an agile work culture. Furthermore, the study anticipates future challenges and opportunities in agile work cultures, including the integration of remote work models, artificial intelligence, and ensuring diversity and inclusion. Strategic recommendations for HR leaders and IT executives emphasize the importance of investing in agile leadership, enhancing team dynamics, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Finally, the study underscores the pivotal role of HR in enabling agile transformations within IT sectors. Future research directions include exploring the impact of emerging technologies on agile methodologies and the role of HR in fostering inclusive and diverse agile teams. This research contributes to the understanding of how agile practices supported by HR innovations can drive organizational success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Keywords:  Agile Work Cultures, Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT) Innovation, Agile Leadership Development.