Strategic Issues of Large Corporate Organisations in Nigeria: Mediating Effects of Knowledge Management and Strategic Intelligence

This study examines strategic issues confronting large corporate organisations in Nigeria and investigates how knowledge management and strategic intelligence mediate these issues. Drawing on a descriptive-correlational design, the research population comprised 556 senior managers and strategy practitioners; using Yamane’s formula at a 95% confidence level the calculated sample size was 233 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring strategic issues, knowledge management practices, strategic intelligence capabilities, and organizational outcomes. Reliability and validity were established via pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted. Analytical procedures employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS to test measurement and structural models, assess mediation effects, and evaluate model fit through standard criteria including factor loadings, path coefficients, t-statistics from bootstrapping, R², effect sizes (f²) and predictive relevance (Q²). Results indicated that pervasive strategic issues such as resource constraints, regulatory uncertainty, competitive dynamics and governance weaknesses exert significant negative effects on performance. Crucially, knowledge management processes (knowledge creation, sharing and retention) and strategic intelligence functions (environmental scanning, competitive intelligence and sensemaking) partially mediate these relationships, attenuating adverse impacts and strengthening strategic responsiveness. The study contributes theoretically by integrating knowledge-based and strategic intelligence perspectives into strategic issue analysis and offers practical guidance for executives: investing in systematic knowledge systems and formal intelligence capabilities enhances strategic resilience. Limitations and implications for policy and future research are discussed. Recommendations include establishing cross-functional knowledge councils, continuous intelligence training, and technology-enabled repositories; subsequent longitudinal studies should examine causal dynamics across diverse industrial sectors over extended time horizons and contexts.