Title: Strategic flexibility and market performance of SMEs in Nigeria

Authors: Olalekan Asikhia

Addresses: Department of Business Studies, College of Business and Social Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, Canaan Land, Km. 10, Idiroko, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract: The study determines the relationship between strategic flexibility and market performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This paper presents primary data collected by self-administered questionnaires involving a sample of 476 respondents from different regions of Nigeria. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical and correlation analysis as well as structural equation modelling. This study reveals that strategic flexibility relates positively and significantly with market performance variables and that marketing competence and competitive intensity moderate the strategic flexibility – performance relationship of the SMEs. The empirical evidence of this paper affects major aspects of SMEs| management and relevant recommendations are made.

Keywords: strategic flexibility; market performance; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; marketing; competence; competitive intensity; Nigeria; statistical analysis; correlation analysis; structural equation modelling; performance variables; performance relationships; management; enterprise development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2011.039659

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2011 Vol.10 No.1, pp.72 - 91

Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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