Balancing Agility and Clarity: A Study on Role Flexibility and Employee Satisfaction in Goan Start-ups

Vandana Patil; Nafisa Frias Da Costa

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v13i04.sh03

Abstract

This study examines the impact of role flexibility on job satisfaction in early-stage start-ups in Goa start-ups often require employees to take on multiple responsibilities due to limited resources and evolving structures. While this flexibility encourages learning, ownership, and innovation, it can also cause stress, confusion, and reduced well-being if not managed effectively. Using secondary data and existing literature, the study explores key factors such as overlapping responsibilities, decision-making autonomy, and workload distribution. The findings suggest that while role flexibility can boost motivation and engagement, it needs to be supported by clear communication, structured expectations, and strong leadership. Without these, employees may experience burnout and dissatisfaction. The study highlights the need for start-ups to strike a balance between adaptability and clarity in role design. Strategic recommendations are offered to help managers create supportive environments that enhance employee satisfaction while maintaining agility.

Keywords

Role FlexibilityJob SatisfactionStart-upsEmployee MotivationWorkload Distribution

References

Adomako, S., Frimpong, K., Amankwah-Amoah, J., Donbesuur, F., & Opoku, R. A. (2021). Strategic decision speed and international performance: the roles of competitive intensity, resource flexibility, and structural organicity. Management International Review, 61(1), 27–55.Google Scholar ↗
AlTaweel, I. R., & Al-Hawary, S. I. (2021). The mediating role of innovation capability on the relationship between strategic agility and organizational performance. Sustainability, 13(14), 7564.Google Scholar ↗
Angelos, P., & O’Connor, M. (2020). Responsibilities and expectations: considerations of disclosure of overlapping operations. Annals of Surgery, 271(6), 1016–1017.Google Scholar ↗
Anning-Dorson, T. (2021). Organizational culture and leadership as antecedents to organizational flexibility: implications for SME competitiveness. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 13(5), 1309–1325.Google Scholar ↗
Anser, M. K., Yousaf, Z., Yasir, M., Sharif, M., Nasir, M. H., Rasheed, M. I., Waheed, J., Hussain, H., & Majid, A. (2022). How to unleash innovative work behavior of SMEs’ workers through knowledge sharing? Accessing functional flexibility as a mediator. European Journal of Innovation Management, 25(1), 233–248.Google Scholar ↗
Azeem, M. M., & Kotey, B. (2023). Innovation in SMEs: The role of flexible work arrangements and market competition. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 34(1), 92–127.Google Scholar ↗
Bag, S., & Rahman, M. S. (2023). The role of capabilities in shaping sustainable supply chain flexibility and enhancing circular economy-target performance: an empirical study. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 28(1), 162–178.Google Scholar ↗
Bal, P. M., & Izak, M. (2021). Paradigms of flexibility: a systematic review of research on workplace flexibility. European Management Review, 18(1), 37–50.Google Scholar ↗
Barreto, N., & Mayya, S. (2024). The Role of Job Satisfaction in Enhancing Employee Performance and Customer Experience in the Goan Hospitality Industry: A Case Study. International Journal of Case Studies in Business, IT, and Education, 8(1), 310–325.Google Scholar ↗
Beltrán-Martín, I., Bou-Llusar, J. C., & Salvador-Gómez, A. (2024). HR flexibility and firm performance in professional service firms. Journal of Management & Organization, 30(6), 2396–2417.Google Scholar ↗
Berber, N., Gašić, D., Katić, I., & Borocki, J. (2022). The mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between FWAs and turnover intentions. Sustainability, 14(8), 4502.Google Scholar ↗
Chatterjee, S., Chaudhuri, R., & Vrontis, D. (2022). Does remote work flexibility enhance organization performance? Moderating role of organization policy and top management support. Journal of Business Research, 139, 1501–1512.Google Scholar ↗
Dwivedi, A., Agrawal, D., Jha, A., Gastaldi, M., Paul, S. K., & D’Adamo, I. (2021). Addressing the challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility: Implications for sustainable development goals. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 22, 179–197.Google Scholar ↗
Farzaneh, M., Wilden, R., Afshari, L., & Mehralian, G. (2022). Dynamic capabilities and innovation ambidexterity: The roles of intellectual capital and innovation orientation. Journal of Business Research, 148, 47–59.Google Scholar ↗
Ferreira, J., Cardim, S., & Coelho, A. (2021). Dynamic capabilities and mediating effects of innovation on the competitive advantage and firm’s performance: The moderating role of organizational learning capability. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12, 620–644.Google Scholar ↗
Frare, A. B., & Beuren, I. M. (2021). Fostering individual creativity in startups: comprehensive performance measurement systems, role clarity and strategic flexibility. European Business Review, 33(6), 869–891.Google Scholar ↗
George, T. J., Atwater, L. E., Maneethai, D., & Madera, J. M. (2022). Supporting the productivity and wellbeing of remote workers: Lessons from COVID-19. Organizational Dynamics, 51(2), 100869.Google Scholar ↗
Gombe, B. M., & Adamu, U. (2021). ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF OVERLAPPING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ON INDUSTRIAL HARMONY IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF GOMBE STATE CIVIL SERVICE. GOMBE JOURNAL OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (GJAM), 4(01), 190–200.Google Scholar ↗
Goundar, S. (2012). Research methodology and research method. Victoria University of Wellington, 1(1), 1–47.Google Scholar ↗
Hier, S. P. (2023). Narrating the crisis: moral regulation, overlapping responsibilities and COVID-19 in Canada. Current Sociology, 71(6), 1082–1099.Google Scholar ↗
Höse, K., Amaral, A., Götze, U., & Peças, P. (2023). Manufacturing flexibility through industry 4.0 technological concepts—impact and assessment. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24(2), 271–289.Google Scholar ↗
Islam, M. R. (2024). How to achieve financial flexibility: The role of corporate governance. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(2), 6541–6577.Google Scholar ↗
Kazancoglu, I., Ozbiltekin-Pala, M., Mangla, S. K., Kazancoglu, Y., & Jabeen, F. (2022). Role of flexibility, agility and responsiveness for sustainable supply chain resilience during COVID-19. Journal of Cleaner Production, 362, 132431.Google Scholar ↗
Lazarus, S. (2025). Cybercriminal networks and operational dynamics of business email compromise (BEC) scammers: Insights from the “black Axe” confraternity. Deviant Behavior, 46(4), 456–480.Google Scholar ↗
Leso, B. H., Cortimiglia, M. N., & Ghezzi, A. (2023). The contribution of organizational culture, structure, and leadership factors in the digital transformation of SMEs: a mixed-methods approach. Cognition, Technology & Work, 25(1), 151–179.Google Scholar ↗
Maden-Eyiusta, C. (2021). Role conflict, role ambiguity, and proactive behaviors: does flexible role orientation moderate the mediating impact of engagement? The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(13), 2829–2855.Google Scholar ↗
Mirbabaie, M., & Marx, J. (2024). Micro‐level dynamics in digital transformation: Understanding work‐life role transitions. Information Systems Journal, 34(5), 1810–1832.Google Scholar ↗
Mustakim, J. (2022). Overview of job satisfaction and flexibility on employee performance. AKADEMIK: Jurnal Mahasiswa Humanis, 2(2), 82–90.Google Scholar ↗
Pianese, T., Errichiello, L., & da Cunha, J. V. (2023). Organizational control in the context of remote working: A synthesis of empirical findings and a research agenda. European Management Review, 20(2), 326–345.Google Scholar ↗
Piprani, A. Z., Jaafar, N. I., Ali, S. M., Mubarik, M. S., & Shahbaz, M. (2022). Multi-dimensional supply chain flexibility and supply chain resilience: the role of supply chain risks exposure. Operations Management Research, 15(1), 307–325.Google Scholar ↗
Puriwat, W., & Hoonsopon, D. (2021). Cultivating product innovation performance through creativity: the impact of organizational agility and flexibility under technological turbulence. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 33(4), 741–762.Google Scholar ↗
Ramos, E., Patrucco, A. S., & Chavez, M. (2023). Dynamic capabilities in the “new normal”: a study of organizational flexibility, integration and agility in the Peruvian coffee supply chain. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 28(1), 55–73.Google Scholar ↗
Reinsberg, B. (2025). Institutional overlap and the survival of intergovernmental organisations. West European Politics, 48(1), 29–57.Google Scholar ↗
Sen, S., Savitskie, K., Mahto, R. V, Kumar, S., & Khanin, D. (2023). Strategic flexibility in small firms. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 31(5), 1053–1070.Google Scholar ↗
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.Google Scholar ↗
Sopelana, A., Kunc, M., & Hernáez, O. R. (2014). Towards a dynamic model of organisational flexibility. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 27, 165–183.Google Scholar ↗
Vallaster, C., Maon, F., Lindgreen, A., & Vanhamme, J. (2021). Serving multiple masters: The role of micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities in addressing tensions in for-profit hybrid organizations. Organization Studies, 42(6), 911–947.Google Scholar ↗
Wu, Q., Yan, D., & Umair, M. (2023). Assessing the role of competitive intelligence and practices of dynamic capabilities in business accommodation of SMEs. Economic Analysis and Policy, 77, 1103–1114.Google Scholar ↗
Yu, W., Zhao, G., Liu, Q., & Song, Y. (2021). Role of big data analytics capability in developing integrated hospital supply chains and operational flexibility: An organizational information processing theory perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 163, 120417.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-1] Adomako, S., Frimpong, K., Amankwah-Amoah, J., Donbesuur, F., & Opoku, R. A. (2021). Strategic decision speed and international performance: the roles of competitive intensity, resource flexibility, and structural organicity. Management International Review, 61(1), 27–55.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] AlTaweel, I. R., & Al-Hawary, S. I. (2021). The mediating role of innovation capability on the relationship between strategic agility and organizational performance. Sustainability, 13(14), 7564.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Angelos, P., & O’Connor, M. (2020). Responsibilities and expectations: considerations of disclosure of overlapping operations. Annals of Surgery, 271(6), 1016–1017.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Anning-Dorson, T. (2021). Organizational culture and leadership as antecedents to organizational flexibility: implications for SME competitiveness. Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, 13(5), 1309–1325.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Anser, M. K., Yousaf, Z., Yasir, M., Sharif, M., Nasir, M. H., Rasheed, M. I., Waheed, J., Hussain, H., & Majid, A. (2022). How to unleash innovative work behavior of SMEs’ workers through knowledge sharing? Accessing functional flexibility as a mediator. European Journal of Innovation Management, 25(1), 233–248.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Azeem, M. M., & Kotey, B. (2023). Innovation in SMEs: The role of flexible work arrangements and market competition. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 34(1), 92–127.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] Bag, S., & Rahman, M. S. (2023). The role of capabilities in shaping sustainable supply chain flexibility and enhancing circular economy-target performance: an empirical study. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 28(1), 162–178.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] Bal, P. M., & Izak, M. (2021). Paradigms of flexibility: a systematic review of research on workplace flexibility. European Management Review, 18(1), 37–50.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Barreto, N., & Mayya, S. (2024). The Role of Job Satisfaction in Enhancing Employee Performance and Customer Experience in the Goan Hospitality Industry: A Case Study. International Journal of Case Studies in Business, IT, and Education, 8(1), 310–325.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Beltrán-Martín, I., Bou-Llusar, J. C., & Salvador-Gómez, A. (2024). HR flexibility and firm performance in professional service firms. Journal of Management & Organization, 30(6), 2396–2417.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Berber, N., Gašić, D., Katić, I., & Borocki, J. (2022). The mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between FWAs and turnover intentions. Sustainability, 14(8), 4502.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Chatterjee, S., Chaudhuri, R., & Vrontis, D. (2022). Does remote work flexibility enhance organization performance? Moderating role of organization policy and top management support. Journal of Business Research, 139, 1501–1512.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Dwivedi, A., Agrawal, D., Jha, A., Gastaldi, M., Paul, S. K., & D’Adamo, I. (2021). Addressing the challenges to sustainable initiatives in value chain flexibility: Implications for sustainable development goals. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 22, 179–197.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Farzaneh, M., Wilden, R., Afshari, L., & Mehralian, G. (2022). Dynamic capabilities and innovation ambidexterity: The roles of intellectual capital and innovation orientation. Journal of Business Research, 148, 47–59.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Ferreira, J., Cardim, S., & Coelho, A. (2021). Dynamic capabilities and mediating effects of innovation on the competitive advantage and firm’s performance: The moderating role of organizational learning capability. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 12, 620–644.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Frare, A. B., & Beuren, I. M. (2021). Fostering individual creativity in startups: comprehensive performance measurement systems, role clarity and strategic flexibility. European Business Review, 33(6), 869–891.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] George, T. J., Atwater, L. E., Maneethai, D., & Madera, J. M. (2022). Supporting the productivity and wellbeing of remote workers: Lessons from COVID-19. Organizational Dynamics, 51(2), 100869.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Gombe, B. M., & Adamu, U. (2021). ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF OVERLAPPING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ON INDUSTRIAL HARMONY IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: A CASE STUDY OF GOMBE STATE CIVIL SERVICE. GOMBE JOURNAL OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (GJAM), 4(01), 190–200.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] Goundar, S. (2012). Research methodology and research method. Victoria University of Wellington, 1(1), 1–47.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Hier, S. P. (2023). Narrating the crisis: moral regulation, overlapping responsibilities and COVID-19 in Canada. Current Sociology, 71(6), 1082–1099.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-21] Höse, K., Amaral, A., Götze, U., & Peças, P. (2023). Manufacturing flexibility through industry 4.0 technological concepts—impact and assessment. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 24(2), 271–289.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-22] Islam, M. R. (2024). How to achieve financial flexibility: The role of corporate governance. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 15(2), 6541–6577.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-23] Kazancoglu, I., Ozbiltekin-Pala, M., Mangla, S. K., Kazancoglu, Y., & Jabeen, F. (2022). Role of flexibility, agility and responsiveness for sustainable supply chain resilience during COVID-19. Journal of Cleaner Production, 362, 132431.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Lazarus, S. (2025). Cybercriminal networks and operational dynamics of business email compromise (BEC) scammers: Insights from the “black Axe” confraternity. Deviant Behavior, 46(4), 456–480.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] Leso, B. H., Cortimiglia, M. N., & Ghezzi, A. (2023). The contribution of organizational culture, structure, and leadership factors in the digital transformation of SMEs: a mixed-methods approach. Cognition, Technology & Work, 25(1), 151–179.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-26] Maden-Eyiusta, C. (2021). Role conflict, role ambiguity, and proactive behaviors: does flexible role orientation moderate the mediating impact of engagement? The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(13), 2829–2855.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-27] Mirbabaie, M., & Marx, J. (2024). Micro‐level dynamics in digital transformation: Understanding work‐life role transitions. Information Systems Journal, 34(5), 1810–1832.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-28] Mustakim, J. (2022). Overview of job satisfaction and flexibility on employee performance. AKADEMIK: Jurnal Mahasiswa Humanis, 2(2), 82–90.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-29] Pianese, T., Errichiello, L., & da Cunha, J. V. (2023). Organizational control in the context of remote working: A synthesis of empirical findings and a research agenda. European Management Review, 20(2), 326–345.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-30] Piprani, A. Z., Jaafar, N. I., Ali, S. M., Mubarik, M. S., & Shahbaz, M. (2022). Multi-dimensional supply chain flexibility and supply chain resilience: the role of supply chain risks exposure. Operations Management Research, 15(1), 307–325.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-31] Puriwat, W., & Hoonsopon, D. (2021). Cultivating product innovation performance through creativity: the impact of organizational agility and flexibility under technological turbulence. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 33(4), 741–762.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-32] Ramos, E., Patrucco, A. S., & Chavez, M. (2023). Dynamic capabilities in the “new normal”: a study of organizational flexibility, integration and agility in the Peruvian coffee supply chain. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 28(1), 55–73.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-33] Reinsberg, B. (2025). Institutional overlap and the survival of intergovernmental organisations. West European Politics, 48(1), 29–57.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-34] Sen, S., Savitskie, K., Mahto, R. V, Kumar, S., & Khanin, D. (2023). Strategic flexibility in small firms. Journal of Strategic Marketing, 31(5), 1053–1070.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-35] Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-36] Sopelana, A., Kunc, M., & Hernáez, O. R. (2014). Towards a dynamic model of organisational flexibility. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 27, 165–183.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-37] Vallaster, C., Maon, F., Lindgreen, A., & Vanhamme, J. (2021). Serving multiple masters: The role of micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities in addressing tensions in for-profit hybrid organizations. Organization Studies, 42(6), 911–947.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-38] Wu, Q., Yan, D., & Umair, M. (2023). Assessing the role of competitive intelligence and practices of dynamic capabilities in business accommodation of SMEs. Economic Analysis and Policy, 77, 1103–1114.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-39] Yu, W., Zhao, G., Liu, Q., & Song, Y. (2021). Role of big data analytics capability in developing integrated hospital supply chains and operational flexibility: An organizational information processing theory perspective. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 163, 120417.Google Scholar ↗