Title: Competitive intelligence, market ambidexterity, and SMEs' performance: the role of firm characteristics

Authors: Gloria Kakrabah-Quarshie Agyapong; Edward Marfo-Yiadom; Lawrence Yaw Kusi

Addresses: Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, University of Cape Coast, Ghana ' Department of Accounting, School of Business, University of Cape Coast, Ghana ' Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract: The paper examines the effect of competitive intelligence on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Ghana. The mediating role of market ambidexterity and the moderating roles of firm age, size, and location in the CI-firm performance relationship are further explored. Using the explanatory research design, structured questionnaires were employed for the collection of primary data from 258 SMEs that were analysed using SMARTPLS. CI among SMEs in Ghana's major business hubs has a significant positive influence on their performance. Furthermore, market ambidexterity mediates the relationship between CI and SME performance. The efficiency of MA blends with CI among SMEs in improving their performance in a statistically significant and moderate manner. Firm characteristics did not moderate the CI-SMEs performance relationship. Implications of the results are discussed and appropriately targeted recommendations are provided.

Keywords: competitive intelligence; market ambidexterity; SME characteristics; firm performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCG.2024.142224

International Journal of Business Competition and Growth, 2024 Vol.9 No.1, pp.79 - 106

Received: 27 Mar 2024
Accepted: 30 Jul 2024
Published online: 14 Oct 2024 *