Title: Strategic management, e-governance, and competitive advantage in fragile contexts: the case of Yemen's telecommunications sector

Authors: Fuad Al-sabri; Abdualrahman Maneaa

Addresses: Center of Business Administration, Sana'a University, Sana'a, 63022, Yemen ' Faculty of Commerce, Sana'a University, Sana'a, 73205, Yemen

Abstract: This study investigates the role of strategic management in achieving competitive advantage through electronic governance (e-governance) within the telecommunications sector of the Republic of Yemen. Drawing upon the resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities theory, and institutional theory, the research develops and tests a conceptual model linking strategic management, e-governance, and competitive advantage. A quantitative explanatory research design was employed, utilising data from 152 respondents (top and middle management staff) across major Yemeni telecommunications companies. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess measurement and structural models. The results reveal that strategic management has a significant positive impact on both e-governance adoption and competitive advantage. E-governance also exerts a direct effect on competitive advantage while partially mediating the relationship between strategic management and competitive outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of aligning strategic processes with digital governance practices to enhance organisational efficiency, transparency, and resilience in fragile contexts.

Keywords: strategic management; e-governance; competitive advantage; telecommunications; RBV; resource-based view; dynamic capabilities; institutional theory; Yemen.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2026.156077

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.25 - 49

Received: 04 Sep 2025
Accepted: 28 Jan 2026
Published online: 02 Sep 2026 *

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