Firm Strategic Orientation, Intellectual Capital, Stakeholder Pressures and Environmental, Social, And Governance Performance of Manufacturing Firms in The Central Region of Uganda.
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Date
2025-05-29
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Makerere University Business School
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of firm strategic orientation, intellectual capital, and stakeholder pressures on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance among manufacturing firms in Uganda. Anchored in the Resource-Based View and Stakeholder Theory, the study further examined the mediating role of firm strategic orientation in the relationship between both intellectual capital and stakeholder pressures and ESG performance. A cross sectional survey design was employed, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to Chief Financial Officers and Internal Auditors from 156 manufacturing firms in the central region of Uganda. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), involving descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis. The study revealed that firm strategic orientation and intellectual capital has a significant positive relationship with ESG performance. However, stakeholder pressures were found to negatively influence ESG outcomes. Furthermore, firm strategic orientation was found to partially mediate the relationships between intellectual capital and ESG performance, and fully mediate the relationship between stakeholder pressures and ESG performance. These findings highlight the need for manufacturing firms to strengthen internal capabilities and adopt proactive strategic orientations in response to stakeholder expectations. Policymakers and corporate leaders can use these insights to promote sustainability by embedding ESG considerations into corporate strategy. This study contributes to the limited empirical literature on ESG performance in underdeveloped economies, particularly within the manufacturing sector. By integrating Resource-Based and Stakeholder Theories, it offers a novel perspective on how internal (intellectual capital) and external (stakeholder pressures) organizational factors influence ESG outcomes. Notably, the establishment of firm strategic orientation as a significant mediator in these relationships contributes substantial theoretical and practical knowledge, deepening the understanding of the mechanisms through which ESG performance can be enhanced.
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This is a master's thesis.
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Namugwana, H M. (2025) Firm Strategic Orientation, Intellectual Capital, Stakeholder Pressures and Environmental, Social, And Governance Performance of Manufacturing Firms in The Central Region of Uganda. (Unpublished master’s dissertation). Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.