A LOOK AT THE STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF COMPANIES FROM COMPETITIVENESS

Abstract

A look at the strategic direction of companies from competitiveness, lays its foundations in the problems related to the challenges faced by manufacturing microenterprises in Manabí, such as the lack of short and long-term planning, the lack of clear policies, coordination poor and the absence of incentives for workers. These obstacles limit its competitiveness and sustainability. Strategic management research seeks to address these challenges to drive business growth and energize the local and national economy. The objective is to analyze the relationship between strategic management and competitiveness in Manabi organizations in the manufacturing sector. The methods used were theoretical and empirical, the information was processed through Excel spreadsheets with emphasis on percentage analysis and arithmetic means. The main results revolved around the fact that the majority of manufacturing microenterprises in the South Zone of Manabí recognize the importance of strategic direction, with 74% having a formally defined strategy. 58% review and update their strategy annually, while 82% define objectives focused on market growth and customer satisfaction. Although these companies consider themselves relatively competitive, they recognize the need to improve in areas such as product differentiation and innovation. In the manufacturing companies of Manabí, strategic direction and competitiveness are closely linked. Effective strategic management drives competitiveness by aligning efforts, fostering innovation, and adapting to the business environment.

Keywords: strategic management, company, competitiveness, manufacturing, innovation.