Enhancing Organizational Competitiveness in Emerging Economies: The Role of Quality Management Practices and Continuous Improvement in Nigeria's Manufacturing Industry

Adedeji Gbadebo (Department of Accounting Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa.)

SINERGI: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Manajemen
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): Maret

This work examines the influence of the culture of continuous improvement and Quality Management System (QMS) implementation on organizational performance of Nigerian manufacturing organizations, with particular reference to Unilever Plc, Lagos. Primary data were collected through survey research design among employees of different levels of hierarchy and analyzed through regression analysis. Organizational performance was found with statistical evidence that positively correlates with the culture of continuous improvement, with 56.6% of the variation of performance explained, while that of QMS implementation explained 83.9% of the variation of performance. The findings support the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, indicating the contribution of internal organizational capabilities toward sustainable competitive advantage attainment. The policy implication recommends that Nigerian manufacturing organizations invest in the practice of continuous improvement, sound architectures of QMS, and employees' capacity-building with the view of yielding efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. The study offers theoretical and practical knowledge about quality management and organizational performance among emerging economies.