Źródła i trwałość przewagi konkurencyjnej

Letycja Sołoducho-Pelc

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to identify two features shaping the competitive advantage: sources of compet itive advantage and sustainability of advantage. The paper presents the scientific achievements and results of quantitative research conducted in Polish companies. A review of the Polish and world literature was used as the research method. The paper and pencil interview (PAPI) research technique was used in the empirical studies. The companies participating in the study are strongly focused on changing customer needs – they are ready to modify their business profile. In addition, the following elements may be sources of competitive advantage: setting new standards in the industry, innovation and technology. In relation to the sustainability of competitive advantage, the companies participating in the study plan their operations in a longer time perspective (over 3 years), but they do not specify long-term plans (in a time perspective of over 5 years). The conclusions resulting from the study are as follows: the companies with a significant advantage over competitors use sources of competitive advantage that allow them satisfying their customers. Taking into account the time horizon, it can be assumed that such sources make the competitive advantage sustainable. The research results indicate that companies that have a strong competitive position in the approach to the advantage over competitors are guided by customer needs and the intention to make the advantage sustainable