The Impact of Defensive and Offensive Business Strategies on the Relationship Between Working Capital Management and Profitability

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Abstract Objectives: This research aims to investigate the impact of working capital management on the profitability of firms, emphasizing the moderating role of defensive and offensive business strategies. Effective management of working capital is essential for the survival of firms, as it reflects the efficient use of short-term capital and serves as a crucial measure of liquidity. Methodology/Design/Approach : This applied study employs a causal correlational methodology (post-event). The statistical population comprises all firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Due to specific constraints, a total of 135 firms were selected through systematic elimination sampling and analyzed over a ten-year period from 2014 to 2023. Finding: The results indicate that aggressive business strategies significantly moderate the relationship between working capital management and firm profitability, whereas defensive strategies do not exhibit a notable effect on this relationship. Innovation: This research contributes to the understanding of how business strategies influence the relationship between working capital management and profitability. It provides actionable recommendations for firms to adopt aggressive strategies to enhance overall performance. Furthermore, given the unstable economic environment in the country, it is suggested that firms develop strategic plans to improve their responsiveness to threats and capitalize on emerging opportunities . Keywords : Working Capital Management, Profitability, Defensive and Offensive Business Strategy.