Title: Managerial Resilience And Sustainable Competitive Advantage Of Food And Beverages Firms In Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Lilian Ngozi Atughara and B. Chima Onuoha
Volume: 9
Issue: 11
Pages: 130-139
Publication Date: 2025/11/28
Abstract:
This study examines the relationship between managerial resilience and sustainable competitive advantage among food and beverage firms in Edo State. Managerial resilience is conceptualized through adaptability and proactive decision-making, while sustainable competitive advantage is measured via product differentiation and customer loyalty. A cross sectional research design was adopted. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. The population comprises of 208 manager and supervisors from 20 food and beverage firms in Edo State. A sample of 32 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan 1970 table. The data were analysed using Spearman's rho correlation through SPSS v25. Results revealed a statistically significant and strong positive relationship between adaptability and both product differentiation and customer loyalty. Similarly, proactive decision-making showed significant positive correlations with product differentiation and customer loyalty. These findings suggest that resilient managerial behaviour is a critical enabler of sustained market performance. The study concludes that investing in leadership development and resilience-building strategies is essential for enhancing strategic outcomes in the Nigerian food and beverage sector. The study recommends that the food and beverage firms should enhance competitive advantage by developing adaptive and proactive managerial capabilities, personalizing customer engagement, leveraging data-driven innovation, and fostering trust through consistent, responsive service delivery.