Competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness: an overview

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship that exists between competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness through literature review. This study is being done under the background of intense competition being experienced by firms globally. The methodology used for this article was a literature review of published electronic journal articles. The paper found the following two critical issues: there are varying perceptions of the relationship that exists between competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness; and that there is no universally accepted model of best practice for adoption and adaption. The findings from this research will assist business managers improve their CI outlook by understanding how CI is related to firm competitiveness and will be of great value to academics

Competitive intelligence practice challenges in the South African property sector

“…The success of CI depends on the size of the organzation, availability of resources, CI awareness within the organzation and support it receives from the entire firm (Maune, 2014; Du Toit and Sewdass, 2014). According to Degaut (2015), the relationship between the CI unit and decision-makers determines the success or failure of CI.…”

“…CI helps to improve products and services quality, decision-making quality and the overall quality of life (Maune, 2014; Du Toit and . It has been identified as a critical success factor for businesses around the world .…”

“…However, businesses find it challenging to practise CI (Yassine, 2014). Although CI challenges have been reported in other South African sectors and there is cry for research in CI across all sectors, no research has been conducted on the CI challenges experienced by the property sector (Maune, 2014). The purpose of this study is to establish the challenges experienced by the South African property sector while practising CI.…”

Factors that influence ethical and legal practice of competitive intelligence in the property sector a conceptual model

“…Managers of small and large firms rely on quality CI to make quality decisions that help firms to gain competitive advantage over their rivals (Köseoglua, Rossc & Okumus, 2016). According to Du Toit and Sewdass (2014) and Maune (2014), CI helps firms to provide quality service to clients, create quality strategic plans and improve the quality of life. South African property practitioner firms ethically and legally practise CI in order to gain competitive advantage of rivals (Nenzhelele, 2015).…”

“…This is because firms that make resources available for CI are able to create a formal CI function(Saayman et al, 2008). They are able to raise awareness of CI throughout the firm(Maune, 2014). Their employees are aware of ethical and unethical behaviors in the conduct of CI(Barnea, 2014).…”