Competitive intelligence and firm's performance in emerging markets: an exploratory study in India
Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
ISSN: 0885-8624
Article publication date: 17 February 2012
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impact of competitive intelligence (CI) practices on the firm's performance in the emerging market context of India. The paper seeks to answer the following questions: do CI activities have an impact on the market performance of Indian firms? If so, what are the macro and micro environmental drivers of CI for Indian firms? How are CI activities organized within Indian firms? How is the usage and dissemination of CI taking place within Indian firms?
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a stratified sample developed from a variety of mailing lists focusing on Indian firms. The study employed a cross‐sectional, survey‐based methodology.
Findings
The study identifies two key aspects: Indian firms that exhibit higher levels of CI activities indeed achieve better financial performance results; and the current level of CI activities in Indian firms is at a moderate level, thereby suggesting an opportunity for using and implementing more sophisticated CI techniques.
Practical implications
The findings of this study should assist local and foreign managers in having a more informed understanding of CI activities in the Indian marketplace. Additionally, these findings provide directives to managers regarding the untapped opportunities and potential that CI can offer in a highly volatile and rapidly changing market scenario.
Originality/value
This is the first study that empirically investigates the relationship between the level of CI activities and firm performance in an emerging market context. It is also the first study of its kind that explores the current state of CI practices in the Indian market.
Keywords
Citation
Tej Adidam, P., Banerjee, M. and Shukla, P. (2012), "Competitive intelligence and firm's performance in emerging markets: an exploratory study in India", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 242-254. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858621211207252
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited