Assessing the Effect of Strategic 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. 

Keywords: corporate sustainability, strategic alignment practices, strategic clarity