DOES TASK ENVIRONMENT MODERATES ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE? EVIDENCE FROM THE NIGERIAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

His study empirically evaluates the moderating effect of task environment on the organizational performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study ascertains the extent of relationship between the bargaining power of suppliers and firm productivity and as well accesses the extent to which bargaining power of competitors affect firms competitive advantage. A descriptive survey design method was adopted and a self-administered closed-end questionnaire was used to sift data from respondents who were management and non management staff of ten selected manufacturing organizations in southeastern Nigeria. A sample size of 499 respondents was drawn from the population. The finding revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between bargaining power of suppliers and firms' productivity. The study also found that bargaining power of competitor has a significant positive effect on manufacturing firms' competitive advantage. In lieu of these findings, the study recommendations that manufacturing firms should be committed to maintaining a cordial relationship with their suppliers and avoid possible conflict in both short and long-run. Further, manufacturing firms are also advised to be more strategic in managing their competitors. This can be achieved through the advancement of blue ocean strategy