The role of financial strategy and corporate resilience in sustaining competitive advantage: a study on PT Pelindo ports

Purpose This study investigates the impact of financial strategy and corporate resilience on the competitive advantage. In addition, this study examines the impact of financial strategy on corporate resilience. Furthermore, this study identifies how the influence of entrepreneurial marketing moderates the influence of financial strategy and corporate resilience on the competitive advantage. To deepen the theoretical framework, this study also reveals the mediating role of corporate resilience in the relationship between financial strategy and the competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The research population is all ports under PT Pelindo. The research sample consists of 174 respondents, who are general managers and commercial section leaders (Echelon I and Echelon II) in ports under PT Pelindo. The research method employs a quantitative approach, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis with SmartPLS 4 software. Findings The results of this study indicate that financial strategy has a significant effect on corporate resilience. Additionally, this study finds that financial strategy and corporate resilience have a significant and positive impact on the competitive advantage. This study also examines the moderating role of entrepreneurial marketing. The findings demonstrate that entrepreneurial marketing does not serve as a moderator of the effect of financial strategy and corporate resilience on competitive advantage. This research provides evidence to organizations that financial strategy and corporate resilience are the main foundations for maintaining competitive advantage. Practical implications The results of this study provide practical guidance for company management in making more effective business strategy decisions while strengthening organizational resilience in the face of competitive dynamics. Thus, this study can provide an overview for companies in improving the sustainability of the competitive advantage, especially in companies engaged in the maritime sector. Originality/value This study integrates three key factors (financial strategy, corporate resilience and entrepreneurial marketing) in explaining the achievement of the competitive advantage. Previously, most studies emphasized only one factor separately, while this study examines the relationship between the three in a single empirical model framework. In addition, this study also addresses the inconsistency of previous findings regarding the influence of financial strategy on competitive advantage by presenting a new data-based analysis from the Indonesian port industry (PT Pelindo).