Creating an Intelligent Organisation as a Source of Competitive Advantages: Conditions and Dilemmas

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the essence and features that allow for the identification of intelligent organisations and an assessment of their maturity, taking their competitive advantages into account. In addition, it aims at formulating recommendations on how to study intelligent organisations while considering competitive advantages and monitored changes in this area. A hypothesis is formed that the intelligent organisation is a source of competitive advantage for companies. These advantages are not permanent, though. The article is based on a critical review of national and foreign literature, as well as experience resulting from direct involvement and observations while participating in research focused on intelligent organisations. The research was a part of the Żagle Biznesu (Sails of Business) competition organised by the SGH Warsaw School of Economics in 2018 and 2019. According to the author, an intelligent organisation is one where decision-making is based on collecting, analysing, interpreting, sharing and storing valuable data and information, which can be used at the right time to solve problems and generate the competitive advantage of a company. The type of leadership and emotional intelligence of key people involved have a great impact on the development opportunities of companies creating intelligent organisations. In small companies, apart from a strong dependence on the type of leadership and focusing on a particular type of innovation, there is a lack of development strategy. Poor awareness of the need for development, as well as vulnerability to internal and external shocks (volatility), causes instability in previously achieved levels of intelligence. Small companies in a type of intelligent organisation can compete in the operational sphere, based on such factors as technology, quick response, good timing and better dealing with individual customers. At the same time, small companies can strengthen their competitive advantages related to costs and quality through dedicated operating systems in a way which is typical of large companies. Although these advantages are not permanent, some of them may be duplicated and modified.