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Strategic Pathways to Success: Exploring the Effect of Generic Competitive Strategies on Competitive Advantage

Foundations of Management

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Noha AHMED

Open Access

|Sep 2026

Abstract

This study examines the impact of generic competitive strategies on competitive advantage (CA) in Egypt’s leather industry, using Michael Porter’s framework of cost leadership strategy (CLS), differentiation strategy (DS), and focus strategy (FS). The sector was chosen for its economic significance and the limited research addressing this vital industry, as Egypt’s large population creates strong demand for leather products. Data were collected from 116 firms through a structured survey. Correlation analysis assessed the relationships among strategies and CA, while multiple regression measured their effects. Findings reveal that the three strategies together explain 77.20% of the variation in CA, underscoring their importance in strengthening competitiveness. DS emerged as the most influential, followed by CLS and FS, each showing significant positive effects. The results highlight the need for firms to align strategic choices with market demands. Future research should further explore external factors such as market dynamics that shape CA.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fman-2026-0002 | Journal eISSN: 2300-5661 | Journal ISSN: 2080-7279

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Language: English

Page range: 74 - 85

Submitted on: Nov 24, 2024

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Accepted on: Sep 18, 2025

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Published on: Sep 17, 2026

Published by: Warsaw University of Technology

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Generic competitive strategies,

Cost leadership,

Differentiation,

Competitive advantage,

JEL:

Related subjects:

Computer sciences,

Business computing,

Business and economics,

Business management,

Management accounting, financial controlling, cost calculation, investment

© 2026 Noha AHMED, published by Warsaw University of Technology
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 18 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

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