Differentiation Strategy and Survival of Registered Private Hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

This empirical study investigates the influence of differentiation strategy on the survival of registered private hospitals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The healthcare industry in Nigeria faces intense competition, requiring strategic innovation and differentiation for sustainability. Using a census of 84 registered private hospitals, data were gathered from 168 respondents through structured questionnaires. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and partial correlation analyses were employed. Results indicate a strong positive and significant relationship between differentiation strategy and both adaptability (r = 0.845, p < 0.05) and innovativeness (r = 0.854, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that hospitals implementing distinctive service delivery and patient-oriented innovations are more likely to adapt and innovate sustainably. The study provides valuable insights for hospital administrators, policymakers, and scholars in strategic management.