The impact of implementing the blue ocean strategy on enhancing competitive advantage: A field study on Abu Shnaila & Abu Dan general contracting company in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of applying the Blue Ocean Strategy on enhancing the competitive advantage of Abu Shamala and Abu Dan General Contracting Company in the Gaza Strip. The independent variable was the Blue Ocean Strategy with its four dimensions (elimination, reduction, raise, and creation), while the dependent variable was the enhancement of competitive advantage. The research addressed the extent to which the strategy contributes to strengthening the company’s competitiveness amid the challenges facing the local construction sector. The entire company staff (30 employees) participated in the study through a comprehensive survey, achieving a 100% response rate. Using a descriptive analytical approach and SPSS statistical tools—including means, standard deviations, T-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis—the results indicated a very high application level of the Blue Ocean Strategy (84.8%) and a similarly high level of competitive advantage (84.2%). Statistically significant relationships were found between the dimensions of elimination, raise, and creation and the competitive advantage, with the creation dimension having a direct significant effect. No significant differences appeared in respondents’ assessments of the strategy based on gender, age, qualification, or job title, while differences were significant for specialization and experience, favoring administrative and financial specializations and those with over nine years of experience. Regarding competitive advantage, no differences were observed by gender, age, or job title, but significant differences existed by educational level (favoring those with a high school education or less), specialization, and experience (favoring administrative and financial fields and those with 3–6 years or over 9 years of experience). The study recommended adopting the Blue Ocean Strategy as a permanent management approach, focusing especially on the creation dimension, and enhancing institutional innovation by empowering and training employees.