STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY AND FIRM RESILIENCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AMONG MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the influence of strategic flexibility on firm resilience of manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria with specific reference to firms in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Delta States. Thus, the study utilizes a quantitative survey design by adopting questionnaires to elicit information from 400 respondents including operations directors, risk assessment managers, supply chain controllers, and corporate planning executives. The data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square multiple regressions using IBM-SPSS Statistics Version 28. Indeed, the study reveals that strategic flexibility explains 58.4% of the variations in the firm resilience of the selected manufacturing enterprises (R = 0.764, R2 = 0.584, F = 185.30, p < 0.001). Specifically, the operational flexibility frameworks in the selected firms accelerate production adaptive response (β = 0.412, t = 8.12, p < 0.001). At the same time, the tactical market diversification models in the selected firms reduce operational disruption vulnerabilities (β = 0.389, t = 7.64, p < 0.001). Besides, the strategic capability buffer adjustments in the presence of macroeconomic variance reduce supply chain failure rates and resource matching errors (β = 0.475, t = 9.88, p < 0.001). Therefore, the study proposes that manufacturing firms consider localizing supply logistics, adopting alternative regional energy grids, and continuous skill training to totally eliminate disruption friction and increase corporate survival capabilities.
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Published in Wellspring University Journal of Social and Management Sciences
ISSN: 2616-1296
This article appears in our peer-reviewed academic journal
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