The mediating role of strategic flexibility between social intelligence and sustainable competitive advantage

Abstract

This research aims to identify the mediating role of strategic flexibility between social intelligence and sustainable competitive advantage. The research's significance stems from the nature of the challenges facing universities in a rapidly changing environment. The study was conducted on a sample of university faculty members, employing a descriptive-analytical approach. A model was developed and tested using statistical tools such as correlation, regression, and structural modeling. The research concluded that social intelligence has a direct positive impact on enhancing sustainable competitive advantage; however, this impact is further amplified by strategic flexibility, which acts as an active mediator between the two variables. The results also demonstrated that universities with flexible leadership capable of adapting quickly to changes are able to leverage social intelligence capabilities to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.