farshid fadaeei fathabadi

Achieving sustainable competitive advantage in conditions of high environmental uncertainty is very complicated and difficult. However, there is scarcity in research in this area. The present research aims to identify the effective capabilities involved in achieving sustainable competitive advantage in conditions of high environmental uncertainty and the role of competitive intelligence and organizational intelligence. This applied study was conducted using an exploratory, qualitative design. Data were collected utilizing semi-structured interviews with 16 senior managers and were examined based upon thematic analysis method. Accordingly, four main themes related to the environmental uncertainty were identified comprising sharp exchange rate fluctuations, unstable regulations regarding customs and industry, augmentation or reduction of international sanctions, and fluctuations in purchasing power and customer preferences. Moreover, three main themes with reference to organizational capabilities were determined including project risk management capabilities, trust-building capabilities, and networking capabilities. According to the environmental uncertainty conditions and the three capabilities, the role of competitive intelligence and organizational intelligence in achieving sustainable competitive advantage was drawn in the thematic network and was then presented in the form of a competitive advantage model under high environmental uncertainty conditions.