Background of the Study
Strategic flexibility refers to an organization's ability to adapt and respond to changes in its environment by altering its strategies and operations (Barney, 2023). In the context of SMEs, strategic flexibility is a crucial factor in achieving business resilience—especially in the face of economic instability, market shifts, and unforeseen challenges. SMEs in Kano State, which are often faced with volatility, competition, and technological disruptions, need to possess a high degree of flexibility in their strategic decision-making to maintain their operations and survive over time.
However, the extent to which SMEs in Kano State have adopted flexible strategies remains underexplored. Given the importance of resilience in ensuring long-term success, this study seeks to empirically analyze how strategic flexibility influences the business resilience of SMEs in Kano State, focusing on the ability to respond to external shocks and adapt to changing market conditions.
Statement of the Problem
SMEs in Kano State frequently struggle with adapting to dynamic market conditions, largely due to the inflexibility of their business strategies. This study seeks to address the gap in understanding how strategic flexibility can enhance business resilience by enabling SMEs to adjust their strategies in response to challenges and opportunities (Ibrahim & Sulaimon, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on SMEs in Kano State that have been in operation for at least three years. The limitations include potential biases in self-reported data and the challenge of accessing detailed information on strategic decisions in small businesses.
Definitions of Terms