Manufacturing strategy, competitive strategy and firm performance: An empirical study in a developing economy environment

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Moses Acquaah, Professor and Department Head (Creator)
Kwasi Amoako-Gyampah, Professor and Department Head (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between manufacturing strategy and competitive strategy and their influence on firm performance. We test how competitive strategy influences manufacturing strategy and also examine the impact that manufacturing strategy and competitive strategy have on firm performance among Ghanaian manufacturing firms. We found significant and positive relationships between competitive strategy and the manufacturing strategies of cost, delivery, flexibility, and quality. The findings also indicate that quality is the only manufacturing strategy component that influences performance. Our results further show that although competitive strategy does not directly affect firm performance, it does so indirectly through quality. Thus, whether a firm chooses to pursue a cost leadership or a differentiation strategy an emphasis on quality provides the most benefits with regard to firm performance. An emphasis on quality appears to provide a means by which companies can mitigate the effects of increased competition resulting from the economic reforms within the Ghanaian manufacturing environment.

Additional Information

Publication
International Journal of Production Economics, 111(2): 575-592
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Manufacturing strategy, Competitive strategy, Firm performance, Developing economy, Path analysis

Email this document to