Strategies Adopted by Equity Bank to Develop Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Abstract

Competitive advantage is a dynamic process that demands constant attention, and is a necessity in order to compete in a market, but more importantly the competitive advantage needs to be sustainable. This study seeks to answer one research question. What are the strategies employed by equity bank and how have they led to sustainable competitive advantage? The objective of this research study was to identify the strategies adopted by Equity Bank that develop sustainable competitive advantage.

The respondents who were interviewed were senior management of Equity Bank. Out of the six individuals interviewed the study managed to interview five representing 83% of the target sample. The data was analyzed through content analysis because the study solicited for data that was qualitative in nature. Findings from the study indicate that Equity bank has continues reinventing itself time after time in order to stay competitive. Constant analysis of both the internal and external environment has proven to be the key in identifying new strategies.

The studies limitation was that it was conducted solely at Equity Bank Head office and hence did not take into account input from the branches. This was due to limitation of time and resources. The researchers suggest that similar research should be carried out to find out the strategies that lead to sustainable competitive advantage in other banks as well, more specifically the banks in which are in competition with Equity Bank.