Dr. Ebiere T. Briggs
1
Prof. Godwin U. Okon
1
Dr. Theresa I. Ebong
1
4
Department of Business Administration, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
4
Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
4
School of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria
Abstract
Small-scale businesses are pivotal drivers of economic growth, employment generation, and innovation in developing economies. However, their long-term survival and prosperity are intrinsically linked to their ability to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage in dynamic and often challenging market environments. This article explores the profound influence of strategic entrepreneurship on the competitiveness of small-scale businesses, with a specific focus on the South-South region of Nigeria. Strategic entrepreneurship, a synergistic integration of entrepreneurial (opportunity-seeking) and strategic (advantage-seeking) behaviors, offers a powerful framework for businesses to simultaneously identify novel opportunities and develop sustainable competitive positions. Drawing upon resource-based theory and entrepreneurial orientation concepts, this study synthesizes existing literature to elucidate how strategic entrepreneurial practices β encompassing innovation, proactiveness, risk-taking, strategic renewal, and resource leveraging β can enhance market responsiveness, foster unique capabilities, and ultimately improve the competitive posture of small-scale enterprises. The article highlights the contextual factors prevalent in South-South Nigeria that necessitate such an approach and concludes with recommendations for business owners and policymakers aimed at fostering a more strategically entrepreneurial and competitive SME sector.
How to Cite
Dr. Ebiere T. Briggs, Prof. Godwin U. Okon, & Dr. Theresa I. Ebong. (2025). Strategic Entrepreneurial Approaches and Their Influence on the Competitive Posture of Small-Scale Enterprises in South-South Nigeria. Frontiers in Business Innovations and Management, 2(06), 18β29. https://doi.org/10.64917/fbim-009
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