BUSINESS STRATEGY AS A COMPETITIVE TOOL FOR FIRMS IN RIVERS STATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS; Dr Bariere Thomas

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS Kenule Beesor Saro Polytechnic, P.m.b 20, Bori.
Dr Bariere Thomas Rivers state university Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria.

Keywords: Deliberate Strategy, Emergent Strategy, Opportunist Strategy, Proprietary Information, Intellectual Information, Innovation, Competitive Advantage, Rivers State, Nigerian economy

Abstract

This study examined the role of business strategy as a competitive tool for firms operating in Rivers State and its implications for managing the Nigerian economy. Specifically, it investigated the effects of three dimensions of strategy—deliberate, emergent, and opportunist—on three competitive measures: proprietary information, intellectual information, and innovation. Drawing upon strategic management theories and contingency models, the research employed a quantitative design using structured questionnaires administered to 200 strategically selected firms across key sectors in Rivers State. The data were analyzed using linear regression. Findings revealed that deliberate, emergent, and opportunist strategies each had positive and statistically significant effects on all three outcome variables. Deliberate strategy enhanced organizational knowledge and innovation through structured planning and capability alignment. Emergent strategy fostered adaptability and learning, contributing to innovation and intellectual development. Opportunist strategy showed the strongest effect on innovation, emphasizing the value of agility and responsiveness in uncertain environments. The study concludes that a hybrid approach to strategy—integrating planning, flexibility, and real-time responsiveness—is essential for firms striving to build competitive advantages and contribute meaningfully to economic growth in Nigeria.It is recommended that firms adopt dynamic strategic models, invest in knowledge management, and that policymakers create enabling environments that support innovation and strategy implementation

Author Biographies

DR NWIKO LEKIA ANDREWS, Kenule Beesor Saro Polytechnic, P.m.b 20, Bori.

Department of Business Administration and management,

Dr Bariere Thomas, Rivers state university Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria.

Department of Business Education, Faculty of Education,

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