ARCHIVES
VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Strategic agility, human capital, and competitive advantage in an emerging economy: A study of indigenous Guyanese SMEs
Authors
Malkia Idai
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between strategic agility, human
capital development, and competitive advantage among indigenous SMEs in
Georgetown, Guyana. Drawing on the Resource Based View and Dynamic Capabilities
Theory, the study employed a quantitative design with data collected from 285
SME owners and managers using structured questionnaires. Descriptive
statistics, correlation, regression, and bootstrapping mediation analysis were
used to test four hypotheses. Findings revealed that strategic agility is high
(M = 3.72), human capital development is moderate to high (M = 3.58), and
competitive advantage is high (M = 3.65). Strategic agility significantly
predicts competitive advantage (β = 0.548, R² = 0.300) and human capital
development (β = 0.534, R² = 0.285), while human capital development
significantly predicts competitive advantage (β = 0.578, R² = 0.334). Mediation
analysis confirmed that human capital development partially mediates the
strategic agility-competitive advantage relationship (indirect effect = 0.281,
CI: 0.218-0.344). All four hypotheses were supported. The study concludes that
strategic agility and human capital development are critical drivers of
competitive advantage, with human capital serving as a key mediating mechanism.
The findings validate RBV and Dynamic Capabilities Theory in the Guyanese
context and provide practical implications for SME managers and policymakers.
Recommendations include investing in strategic agility capabilities,
prioritizing human capital development, and adopting integrated approaches to
enhance SME competitiveness in emerging economy contexts.
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Pages:18-25
How to cite this article:
Malkia Idai "Strategic agility, human capital, and competitive advantage in an emerging economy: A study of indigenous Guyanese SMEs ". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 18-25
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