The impact of introducing agile management in rural youth entrepreneurship teams

Authors:Ting-Yu Kuo; Yung-Chuan Ko

Journal: Corporate Management Review. Jun. 2025, 45(1): 71-114

Keywords: Agile management, rural youth entrepreneurship, social impact assessment, theory of change (ToC), stakeholder engagement

Abstract:
This study examined the transformative impact of agile management on rural youth entrepreneurial teams and agile coaches, highlighting its potential to improve organizational efficiency and amplify social impact. Grounded in the Eight Principles of Social Impact Assessment and the Theory of Change, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to evaluate changes in scale, depth, and significance. This study examined participants of the 2023 Hours for Impact: Agile Empowerment Program, which was supported by the Soil and Water Conservation Agency and jointly implemented by PMI Taiwan and National Taichung University of Education. The study engaged 13 rural youth entrepreneurial teams, 15 agile coaches, and institutional stakeholders. Findings revealed notable improvements among youth teams, including enhanced confidence, greater work efficiency and quality, stronger networks, and a heightened commitment to societal impact. Agile coaches reported increased professional confidence, broader networks, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, while institutional stakeholders benefited from increased visibility, enhanced recognition, and valuable capacity- building opportunities. These results confirmed the effectiveness of agile management in rural entrepreneurial program, underscoring the essential role of tailored mentorship and volunteer agile coaches. This study provides actionable insights for scaling agile methodologies to drive innovation and ensure sustainable outcomes in diverse, resource-constrained environments.