Competitive Strategy and Organisational Performance in Quantity Surveying Firms: A Sustainability-Oriented Assessment in Nigeria’s Built Environment

Africa 26043770@dut4life.ac.za The Nigerian construction industry operates in a highly competitive and volatile environment characterised by economic unpredictability, fluctuating workloads, and intensifying professional competition. In this light, quantity surveying firms must implement the most effective competitive strategies to improve organisational performance and maintain professional practice in the built environment. This study examined the competitive strategy of quantity surveying companies in Nigeria, the factors influencing strategic choices, and the effects of those strategies on organisational performance from a sustainability perspective. The study is guided by three objectives: (1) to identify the environmental factors influencing the choice of competitive strategy among registered quantity surveying firms in Oyo State, Nigeria; (2) to examine the effects of competitive strategy on the organisational performance of those firms; and (3) to assess how competitive strategies contribute to the sustainability of quantity surveying practice in Nigeria’s built environment. A questionnaire survey was administered to 60 registered quantity surveying firms in Oyo State, with 50 usable responses returned, representing an 83.33% response rate. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to analyse data on competitive strategies, environmental factors, and performance results. The findings indicate that the economic environment is the most influential factor in strategic choice (RII = 0.89), while innovation strategy ranks lowest in terms of performance impact (RII = 0.09). The study contributes to understanding how professional service firms in developing construction markets navigate strategic choices and their sustainability implications. Recommendations for structured strategic planning and adaptive operational behaviours are offered for practitioners and policymakers. Sustainable Water Infrastructure Provision: Can Users’ Demographics Predict Willingness to Pay for the Benefits of Private Sector Participation?