ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF STARTEGIC ALIGNMENT PRACTICES ON CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY:

EVIDENCE FROM MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of strategic alignment practices on corporate sustainability
among manufacturing firms in South-West Nigeria, addressing the limited empirical
evidence on how internal alignment mechanisms drive sustainability outcomes in emerging
economies. Grounded in Contingency Theory, the study argues that organisational
effectiveness depends on the alignment between strategy, structure, and environmental
conditions. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with a population of 6,600
employees and management staff. A sample of 377 respondents was selected using
purposive sampling, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured
on a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and
multiple regression techniques. The findings reveal that strategic alignment practices
significantly influence corporate sustainability. Specifically, strategic clarity (β = 0.164, p
< 0.05), cultural alignment (β = 0.310, p < 0.05), and resource allocation alignment (β =
0.487, p < 0.05) all exhibit positive and significant effects, with resource allocation
emerging as the most influential predictor. The regression model is statistically significant
(F=206.536, p< 0.05), and the coefficient of determination (R² = 0.641; Adjusted R² =
0.638) indicates that 64.1% of the variation in corporate sustainability is explained by the
model. The study contributes to theory by extending the application of Contingency Theory
to strategic alignment and sustainability in developing economies. Practically, it
underscores the need for manufacturing firms to ensure coherence between strategic
objectives, organisational culture, and resource deployment to achieve sustainable
performance. It is recommended that managers prioritise clear communication of strategic
goals, foster alignment-oriented organisational cultures, and adopt efficient resource
allocation mechanisms to enhance long-term sustainability.