Competitive Environment Research Articles

#IAmAmazon: personalizing buyer-seller connect in Indian e-commerce

Research methodology This case study is based on Amazon, a global e-commerce giant, which is well-known for its extensive product range and customer-centric approach. The nature of the research is exploratory. This study is purely exploratory in intent. Secondary sources such as reputable newspapers, blogs, websites and trade publications were used to compile the information and write this case. Case overview/synopsis Amazon India’s innovative Storyboxes packaging initiative has transformed the online shopping experience by integrating compelling stories of sellers into the delivery process. This case study explores the rationale, implementation and impact of the innovative approach on customer engagement and the seller community. By featuring QR codes and images of sellers on the packaging, and directing customers to their narratives on Amazon’s platform, the initiative fosters a deeper connection between buyers and sellers. To enhance customer loyalty and adapt to the dynamic e-commerce landscape, Amazon must navigate the challenge of fostering intimacy through unique initiatives like Storyboxes, while also maintaining the effectiveness and reach of its traditional methods. The solution lies in finding a strategic balance that upholds the brand’s core values and meets evolving customer expectations amidst a competitive market environment. Complexity academic level This case is structured for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, MBA Programs.

Value Relevance of Integrated Reporting In Nigeria: An Evaluation of Investors’ Perception

In today’s increasingly complex, competitive and uncertain market environment, stakeholders are constantly seeking to get as much information on corporate organizations as they can to aid informed decisions relating to such organizations. Integrated reporting is progressively gaining traction since it encompasses both financial and non-financial information. This research aimed to empirically assess the significance of integrated reporting content aspects in influencing investors' decision-making within listed banks in Nigeria. The analysis consisted of content elements including organizational overview, business model, risk assessment, disclosure of resource distribution, and forward-looking disclosures. It applied annual reports from five top banks listed in the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and extracted data using a checklist guided by the Integrated Reporting Framework 2021. Data was analyzed by regression analysis, taking into account the P/E ratio and market capitalization from 2014 to 2023 as benchmarks in the measurement of stakeholders’ perceptions. Findings revealed that the overall model for both hypotheses was significant but none of the individual content elements of IR showed a statistically significant effect on MKPF. In the case of the price-earnings ratio, only the organizational overview and Risks and Opportunities disclosures showed a statistically significant effect on PER. The study attributed this lack of value relevance to a low level of awareness and adoption and recommended that integrated reporting be imbibed into the reporting framework in Nigeria. In addition, relevant regulatory authorities should enforce mandatory integrated reporting on companies.

Does employee innovation matter in the UK hotel industry? The mediating role of psychological safety

PurposeIn the current turbulent and highly competitive environment, hotels’ management is under pressure to be innovative and improve their products and services continuously to meet and exceed guests’ expectations. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to develop and test a framework of the factors that can promote employee psychological safety and help drive employee innovation in hotels in the UK.Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was constructed and distributed to employees in four- and five-star hotels in the UK. Non-probability convenience sampling was performed in this study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research’s model and hypotheses.Findings The findings revealed a positive and significant association between psychological safety and employee innovation. Furthermore, psychological safety was found to fully mediate the influence of leader inclusiveness, respectful relationships at work and autonomy on employee innovation. Also, leader inclusiveness and role clarity were discovered to be associated with autonomy, whereas proactive personality was found to be related to employee innovation directly. The outcomes also showed that a proactive personality fully mediates the impact of autonomy and respectful relationships on employee innovation.Originality/value This study presents an original chain-mediation model that illustrates the mechanism of how employee innovative behavior can be encouraged by focusing on the mediation of psychological safety. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first attempts to shed light on the role of psychological safety in promoting employee innovation in the hotel sector.

Електронна система Prozorro як ефективний інструмент боротьби з корупцією

Abstract. The article is devoted to the study of the effectiveness of the Prozorro electronic public procurement system in the process of fighting corruption in our country. The value of transparency and openness in the process of purchasing transactions with state funds is substantiated. The importance and relevance of the development and operation of this platform for the economy of Ukraine and for the prevention and reduction of the number of corruption offenses are outlined. The article analyzes the specifics of the development history and the legal basis of the Prozorro electronic system. The evaluation of this public procurement service by international institutions, in particular the World Bank and representatives of the US authorities, was analyzed. The main advantages of the functioning of the Prozorro platform in modern Ukrainian society are highlighted, in particular, the creation of a high-quality competitive environment, the reduction of the level of corruption, the improvement of procurement efficiency, the saving of public funds and time, ease of use, openness, the ability to access the system from anywhere in Ukraine and without unnecessary paper bureaucracy. The profitability statistics of tenders conducted through the studied electronic service were analyzed. The article substantiates the relevance of creating the Prozorro+ platform in the realities of martial law, which helps in receiving and providing humanitarian aid. The importance of the integration of the Prozorro system and the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption was outlined, as a result of which the Unified State Register of persons who committed corruption or corruption-related offenses was created. The importance of connecting to the search and analytical system "007" was analyzed, which helps to search and track data from open sources about the use of budget funds by the state for this or that tender. Ways to improve the functioning of the Prozorro electronic system as a tool for preventing corruption offenses have been determined. Keywords: corruption; Prozorro electronic system; public procurement; tender; openness; public funds; Register of corrupt persons; public monitoring; availability of information.

The role of quality assurance commissions in the innovation process: challenges and prospects in the context of brazilian universities

In the current higher education scenario, innovation plays a crucial role in fostering new alternatives for positioning complex institutions, such as universities, within competitive and dynamic environments. Recent studies highlight the need to broaden this discussion, with a particular focus on the relationship between innovation and quality assurance processes. This article examines the development of convenience and technical competencies in higher education institutions, emphasizing the role of the Self-Assessment Commission (CPA). The CPA, responsible for governance in institutional evaluation, operates in alignment with ISO 56002 standards. Using a mixed-methods approach, the results indicate that the evaluation commissions responsible for quality assurance in Brazilian higher education have limited involvement in innovation processes, and universities tend not to support the development of these commissions' convenience and operational competencies. The conclusions suggest the need to increase the prominence and autonomy of these commissions, allowing them to actively participate in the innovation process within Brazilian higher education institutions.

Impact of global capabilities on performance in international logistics companies

PurposeIn order to make a difference in a globally competitive environment, companies should analyze their competitors, which is one of the factors around them, well, do research, observe the environment and know how to adapt. For this purpose, the research examines the effects of competitive intensity and marketing and sales capabilities, together with the global capabilities of logistics companies operating internationally (third-party logistics companies (3PL)), which are examined.Design/methodology/approachTo establish and test the model, a sample of 504 participants working at senior levels in internationally operating logistics companies (third-party logistics companies (3PL)) with their headquarters in Istanbul was taken and a scale consisting of a total of 32 statements was presented to them. Analyses were performed using Jamovi and SmartPLS 3.3.5. This program was used because, in addition to estimating path models with latent variables, it also calculated standard results evaluation criteria. First, the results of factor analysis are given. After these analyses were completed, the hypotheses were tested.FindingsThis research is supported by hypotheses as a result of the analysis that global capabilities are an important factor for logistics companies at the international level, and that the competitive intensity also affects the performance outputs and that marketing and sales capabilities also have an impact.Research limitations/implicationsSince data are collected from logistics companies operating globally, it is necessary to pay attention when the analysis results are compared with different sectors. Because the intensity of competition may vary depending on the sector and market in which companies operate. At the same time, the data were collected from authorized white-collar employees working at a senior level in logistics companies. Because, in terms of the level of being able to answer the questions about the variables examined in the research model, data were collected from high-level officials.Practical implicationsIt is getting harder and harder to compete on a global scale by going beyond national borders. The results of the analysis show how important the global capabilities of logistics companies are, especially the increasing importance of logistics activities for countries. For this reason, logistics companies operating on an international scale need to attach importance to the competitive intensity and develop their marketing and sales capabilities.Originality/valueThe research is original in that it examines the global capabilities of logistics companies in their international activities and the effects of competition intensity. In addition, it is important for companies in this sector to examine the effects of marketing and sales capabilities so that logistics companies can reach more customers in their international activities and be more effective in the market compared to their competitors.

The Shadow Sector of Bulgarian Economy: Assessments and Perceptions of Business Representatives

The aim of the study is to identify the key problem areas that define the boundaries of the “shadow economy” in Bulgaria using data from a questionnaire survey conducted at the end of 2023 among 335 business representatives in Bulgaria. A range of sectors like construction, hotels, restaurants and tourism significantly contribute to the country’s economy but are characterized by unregulated practices – e.g. failure to issue invoices or receipts, employing workers under contracts with “hidden clauses”, underreporting revenues or profits to evade taxes – according to the assessment of survey participants. The analysis shows a significant concentration of these practices in micro and small enterprises, which are less regulated. In contrast to expectations, large enterprises with over 250 employees maintain a low share of the “shadow economy”, likely due to stricter regulations and control. According to the business community, the key measures that need to be rigorously enforced include limiting corruption, increasing the efficiency of the judicial system, introducing more effective business incentives, improving the quality of administrative procedures, and reducing the influence of organized crime. This is essential for creating a more transparent and competitive economic environment in Bulgaria, benefiting both small and large businesses.

ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SERVICE SECTOR ENTERPRISES AND KEY APPROACHES TO ITS IMPROVEMENT

The article analyzes the interpretation of the concept of "competition" by various authors. It has been found that this concept currently does not fully meet the criteria of systematization and comprehensiveness, which makes it difficult to definitively determine whether competition is a process, a state, an aspiration, or another category. It has been proven that many existing definitions do not encompass competition as a phenomenon inherent not only to economic but also to social, production, and even biological systems. The conducted research has shown that it is advisable to study the relationship between competitiveness at the country level, individual enterprises, and specific products, as competitiveness is a synthesis of many economic categories. It has been proven that managing the competitiveness of an enterprise is a specific aspect of enterprise management, the goal of which is to form, develop, and realize competitive advantages and ensure the viability of the enterprise as a subject of higher-level economic competition. To manage the level of competitiveness, the enterprise must create a system of measures that will significantly influence the level of competitiveness to bring it to an optimal or desired state and maintain this state in the future. The article presents the results of a PEST analysis of the studied enterprise, identifying factors that have a positive and negative impact on the cleaning services market in Zhytomyr and the company LLC "KlinMarket" in particular. The analysis of the competitive environment showed that LLC " KlinMarket" does not lag behind its competitors in all compared characteristics. The article contains recommendations for increasing the competitiveness of LLC " KlinMarket" namely: choosing a differentiation strategy, focusing on internet presence, implementing innovations, and paying attention to human resources, as the company experiences staff turnover. To improve the competitiveness management system, it is necessary to introduce effective tools for market and competitor analysis, optimize internal processes, and promote personnel development. This will allow the company to quickly respond to market changes and maintain competitive advantages.

Influences of emotional intelligence on resilience in the South African entrepreneurial sector: a systematic literature review

The South African entrepreneurial sector is essential to the country's economic growth, job creation, and innovation. South African entrepreneurs encounter competitive business environment, limited resources, and socioeconomic gaps. Building resilience is critical for them to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and sustain their businesses in the face of adversity. This paper aims to explore the connection between resilience and emotional intelligence in the context of South African entrepreneurship. A systematic literature review and text analysis was carried out. This systematic literature analysis analysed 37 peer-reviewed sources that explored the impact of emotional intelligence on resilience in the South African entrepreneurial sector. Textual analysis was used to discover themes, patterns, and implications for increasing entrepreneurial resilience. Inclusion criteria included English-language research published during the last decade that focused on emotional intelligence and resilience in entrepreneurship. Non-peer-reviewed papers, grey literature, and those that did not directly address the South African context were excluded. Key findings show that emotionally intelligent leaders are better able to manage stress, build trusted relationships, and adjust to changing circumstances, which improves corporate results and ensures sustainability in a changing economic climate. This paper concludes that emotional intelligence is critical in determining the resilience and success of entrepreneurs in the South African entrepreneurial sector. Recommendations stemming from the results encompass integrating emotional intelligence training courses into entrepreneurial curricula, cultivating a nurturing and emotionally astute workplace, and encouraging self-awareness and emotional regulation proficiencies among prospective and established entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Reshaping the Irish Economy: The Impact of International Mergers and Acquisitions on the Irish Technology Sector (2021-2023)

Purpose: This dissertation examines the impact of international mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on the Irish technology sector between 2021 and 2023. It aims to assess how M&A activities have reshaped corporate strategies, influenced organizational culture, and contributed to the broader economic landscape, while identifying challenges and opportunities for involved firms. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative survey data from technology sector professionals and qualitative insights from structured interviews with senior executives of companies engaged in M&A. The survey captured organizational perspectives on strategic realignment, cultural integration, employee morale, and economic implications. The interviews offered deeper context on leadership decisions, cultural adaptation, and strategic shifts post-acquisition. Findings: The research reveals that successful post-M&A outcomes were strongly linked to strategic realignment toward global expansion, product innovation, and operational efficiency. Firms leveraging M&A synergies experienced improved market positioning, faster innovation cycles, and streamlined operations. However, challenges such as cultural integration and maintaining employee morale were significant hurdles. Ireland's regulatory environment emerged as a facilitator, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance, although increased global competition posed both challenges and growth opportunities for local firms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study advances academic discourse by highlighting the interplay between strategic realignment, cultural integration, and regulatory frameworks in post-M&A success. It provides actionable recommendations for technology firms to optimize integration strategies and for policymakers to maintain a supportive yet competitive regulatory environment. The findings also lay the groundwork for future longitudinal studies and cross-industry comparisons to deepen understanding of M&A dynamics.

Analisis Regulasi Kawasan Industri Halal dalam Mendukung Pengembangan IKM : Studi Kasus Safe N Lock Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur

The Halal Industrial Estate (HIE) in East Java has enormous potential to capitalize on the global trend of increasing demand for halal products. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia is expected to seize this opportunity through regulations that support the development of HZs, which can not only improve the competitiveness of local products but also expected to contribute to overall economic growth. However, challenges in the development of HEC need to be overcome through close cooperation between the government, industry players, and the community. Socialization of the importance of halal certification and its benefits for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should also be improved to motivate business actors. This study takes a qualitative approach and literature review to understand how government regulations can support the development of the halal industry in Sidoarjo. The findings show that with the right regulations, KIH can function as a halal industry center that meets local needs and can compete in the global market. The strategic steps recommended by the government include increasing local production capacity, strengthening the halal ecosystem from upstream to downstream, and creating a competitive market environment. With these strategic steps, it is expected that East Java can optimize its role in the halal industry.

The Moderating Effect of the School’s Policies on School’s Characteristics and University’s Brand Equity in Viet Nam

Higher education is a cornerstone of sustainable development in any nation. In Vietnam, educational policies are constantly evolving to keep pace with societal progress. The rise of private higher education and the implementation of tuition policies have contributed to improved educational quality, prompting the government to establish regulations promoting university autonomy. This study aims to determine the moderating effect of university policies on the relationship between school characteristics and brand equity. Using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), data from 699 respondents in Vietnam were analyzed to identify key factors linking policy to university brand equity. The findings reveal that brand equity is significantly shaped by the interaction between school policies and school characteristics, highlighting that policy, particularly those related to services, play a critical role in enhancing a university’s brand. These results suggest that universities should prioritize the clarity and strategic alignment of their service policies to strengthen brand equity. By doing so, higher education institutions can enhance their competitive advantage and better serve their stakeholders in an increasingly competitive environment.

Effects of competition and ownership on the simultaneous relationship between bank risk and capital: Evidence from an emerging economy of Bangladesh.

This study aims to investigate the simultaneous relationship between bank risk and capital, specifically examining how competition and ownership jointly influence this relationship. We employed the two-step system generalized method of moments to address concerns regarding endogeneity and unobserved heteroscedasticity. Based on data from 44 commercial banks in Bangladesh from 2010 to 2021, our findings reveal several key insights: (I) There is a significant non-linear bidirectional relationship between bank risk and capital: capital exhibits a U-shaped effect on risk, while risk has a non-linear negative impact on capital; (II) in highly contested markets, banks hold higher levels of capital, and heightened competition reduces the risk appetite of commercial banks; while less competition has the opposite effect; (III) private and Islamic commercial banks are more risk-averse than state-owned and conventional ones, and (IV) Private and Islamic banks with strong capital positions in a competitive market can better manage risks than state-owned and conventional banks. However, maintaining higher capital ratios in competitive environments is more challenging for state-owned and Islamic banks than private-owned and conventional commercial banks. These results align with the moral hazard hypothesis, competition fragility hypothesis, and the political view of state ownership. Significant insights from the study will fuel the regulators in shaping policies and regulations surrounding emerging countries like Bangladesh, particularly regarding risk, capital, competition, and ownership policies.

Transformational leadership, ESG performance, corporate reputation and competitive advantage: a serial mediation model

PurposeGiven the competitiveness of the business environment globally, environmental, social and governance (ESG), which represents a sustainable development framework that integrates environmental, social and corporate governance factors, has become an increasingly recognized concept in emerging markets. In the case of Ghana, its implementation is influenced by several factors, including leadership.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the resource-based view theory, higher-order theory and stakeholder theory, we developed and evaluated a serial mediation model to explain how ESG performance and corporate reputation can connect transformational leadership to enhance competitive advantage. Utilizing the Process Macro model 6 in SPSS, data were collected from 340 senior managers/executives and middle-level managers from European multinational firms operating in Ghana.FindingsThe results indicate that transformational leadership positively affects ESG performance. Enhanced ESG performance, in turn, leads to improved corporate reputation, which subsequently results in a stronger competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to European multinational firms operating in Ghana, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other contexts or regions.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that organizations aiming to strengthen their competitive advantage should prioritize transformational leadership practices that foster ESG initiatives, as these are critical drivers of corporate reputation and market positioning.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights into the interwovenness between ESG performance and leadership in enhancing corporate reputation and competitive advantage within the context of emerging markets.

Factors Influencing Selection of Dairy Products by Retailers with Special Reference to Amul - A Study in Raipur

This report summarizes the comprehensive analysis of the behavior of retailers, product range, and promotion strategies by the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the dairy products industry. The study was done during a two-month internship at Amul, with an objective to get practical knowledge about the distribution, marketing, and sales activities of FMCG companies through General Trade, Modern Trade, and Horeca channels. These considerations include profit margins, available products, reliable supply chain, and brand equity to arrive at a conclusion. Thereby, findings suggest the preference of retailers for trusted brands by the consumers having quality assurance and consistent supplies because of the perishability aspect related with dairy products such as milk, curd, and paneer. In addition, kiosk events, wall paintings, and shutter advertisements have proven to have a positive effect on the visibility of the brand and engagement of the consumers with the brand, thus affecting the decision of retailers to stock. Shelf space allocation was also observed to depend on consumer demand, brand promotions, and product differentiation in competitive retail environments. Through market visits and retailer feedback, the study provided actionable recommendations to strengthen Amul's brand presence and optimize product turnover. This internship emphasized the importance of close relationships and support mechanisms from strong retailers in fostering brand loyalty and market growth in the FMCG industry. Keywords: Distribution Efficiency, Brand Loyalty in Dairy, Retailer Relationship Management.

Subject Olympiads as an effective tool of management personnel training in universities in modern conditions

The present article studies the issue of using subject Olympiads in higher education institutions for effective training of managerial personnel on the example of the intra-university Olympiad in English language, held in November 2023 at the State University of Management. The quantitative and qualitative composition of participants by training areas and educational programs has been studied, sociological and didactic and methodological aspects of the Olympiad have been highlighted, individual tasks descriptions have been given, demonstrating their high practice-orientedness and relevance. The article concludes that participation in subject university Olympiads stimulates the interest of students of management specialties to the subject of study and increases their competence level. The competitive nature of the Olympiads contributes to a more successful subsequent adaptation of students to a highly competitive professional environment, creating conditions of healthy competition. Conducting subject competitions in universities solves the problems facing the system of higher education in terms of forming a creative educational environment that meets the challenges of the time, and training management specialists capable of effectively solving professional problems against the background of constantly changing economic and political situation in a tough external and internal environment.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DOS MICROCOMPROMISSOS NA OTIMIZAÇÃO DO FUNIL DE VENDAS B2B

Leading the customer through the sales funnel is one of the main challenges for companies that seek to increase their revenues and grow in an increasingly competitive environment. Therefore, this project aimed to analyze the importance of micro-commitments in optimizing the sales funnel between sellers and customers of companies in the business-tobusiness market. This is a quantitative survey, using the 5-point LIKERT scale with the purpose of highlighting the importance of micro-commitment throughout the stages of the B2B sales process. Using “Google Forms™” as a tool in professionals in the B2B sales market. On the 117 questionnaires analyzed in this study, 51 (44%) were female and 66 (56%) were male. Among the evaluated items, we had more than 87,28% of salespeople who agreed with the importance of micro-commitment to close deals. About 12,72% of the total disagreed and were indifferent about three main points: the negative impact of asking the customer to commit to excessive responsibility at the beginning of the sale, the commitment's relationship with the sales cycle and the ease of buying, and the relationship between convincing the customer and the decision to change, providing a greater chance of being rejected in the sales process due to lack or low trust between customer and seller. The follow-up of micro-commitments by the sales team enabled a stronger and preferential relationship with the customer and greater chances of closing the sale.

Strategic Entrepreneurship in The Tech Era: Innovation, Growth and Risk Management

The increasing relevance of strategic entrepreneurship relates to the rise in the competitive environment, particularly in obtaining growth in innovation and new products or services. This paper delineates the scope of strategic entrepreneurship which merges the concepts of entrepreneurship and strategic management help in the management of the interwoven world of technology and entrepreneurial world. It means, therefore, that such entrepreneurship necessitates awareness of the way such an innovation might be used strategically. This research focuses on the new developments in the fourth industrial revolution global trends namely: artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and blockchain. It examines how these latest technological innovations may open fresh business opportunities for new entrepreneurship or expand market opportunities. On the other hand, it touches upon the challenges entrepreneurs face by engaging in this rapidly transforming digital world, an increasingly competitive industry with respect to cyber security challenges, as well as legal restraint issues. Therein, the paper recommends operation within the ecosystem of technology based on an analysis and comparison of the experiences of both failed and successful entrepreneurs within the tech industry. Some of the emerging trends now placed with their possible implications for strategic entrepreneurship include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, sustainability, work-from-home, and data intelligence vis-vis decision making.

Study on the Impact of Diversified Service Strategy: Case of Haidilao

In today's competitive market environment, it has become a trend for enterprises to seek diversified development. The diversification strategy aims to have a positive impact by expanding business areas and services to reduce corporate risks and improve market competitiveness. This paper takes Haidilao as an example to study the effect of the implementation of diversified service strategy from 2017 to 2023. Besides, the research shows that diversified service strategy has improved the financial performance of Haidilao enterprises. However, through comprehensive analysis by SWOT method, it can be seen that the implementation of diversification strategy is not smooth sailing, and many enterprises are faced with various challenges in the practice process, such as increased management difficulty, dispersed resources, and difficult to guarantee service quality. The study provides relevant theoretical reference and decision-making information for the catering industry. Through the implementation of diversified service strategy, Haidilao has achieved results in improving financial performance and market competitiveness, but it also faces problems such as cost increase, core business may be neglected, and service quality is difficult to control uniformly. Therefore, the optimization scheme of optimize staff allocation, strengthen staff training)and optimize resource allocation is proposed in this paper. This successful experience has important guiding significance and reference value for the whole catering industry in the aspects of business development, brand building, customer management and strategic planning.

Critical edge: shaping the future of skills management for organizational success

Purpose Organizations face increasing pressure to optimize their human capital management strategies in today’s competitive business environment. As the nature of work evolves, the ability to identify, develop and leverage critical thinking skills has become paramount for organizational success. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Critical Edge Skills Framework (CESF), a novel approach to skills management that focuses on the cognitive demands of various roles within an organization. Design/methodology/approach The CESF provides a structured method for categorizing skills based on the level of critical thinking required and the nature of the work involved. By adopting this framework, organizations can better align their talent acquisition, development and succession planning strategies with the cognitive demands of different roles, ultimately driving strategy execution, innovation and competitive advantage. Findings The CESF represents a significant advancement in how organizations approach talent acquisition, development and succession planning. By adopting this framework, organizations can better understand the cognitive demands of various roles, align talent with the appropriate level of critical thinking and ensure that employees are well-suited to the nature of their work, whether it involves designing or executing tasks. Originality/value This paper’s skills taxonomy: provides a clear progression of cognitive abilities, from foundational skills to leadership and transformational thinking, allowing organizations to better understand critical thinking development; helps organizations identify the cognitive abilities required for different job roles, enabling more targeted and cost-effective talent acquisition, training and development; emphasizes the importance of higher-order thinking skills, which are crucial for driving innovation and organizational success; aligns with common educational frameworks, ensuring that graduates possess the critical thinking skills required by the modern workforce; and clarifies skill requirements, making it more manageable to determine the most suitable production resource for specific tasks. This optimizes the use of organizational resources and enhances productivity.