According to Porter, the nature of competitiveness in a given industr...
Rivalry among competing firms
Rivalry among competing firms is considered the central force among the five competitive forces identified by Porter. This is because intense competition between existing firms in an industry can directly impact the profitability and competitiveness of all players involved. Here's why it is considered the most powerful force:
Impact on pricing and profitability
- When there is high rivalry among competitors, firms may engage in price wars to gain market share, leading to lower prices and reduced profitability for all players.
- This intense competition can erode profit margins and make it challenging for firms to sustain growth and innovation.
Market share and differentiation
- Competing firms may invest heavily in marketing, product development, and other strategies to differentiate themselves from rivals and attract customers.
- This constant battle for market share and differentiation can lead to increased costs and reduced profitability.
Industry growth and consolidation
- In highly competitive industries, firms may struggle to grow and expand due to the intense rivalry.
- This can lead to industry consolidation as weaker players are forced out, leading to a more concentrated market with fewer competitors.
In conclusion, rivalry among competing firms is the central force among the five competitive forces identified by Porter because it directly impacts pricing, profitability, market share, differentiation, industry growth, and consolidation in a given industry.
According to Porter, the nature of competitiveness in a given industr...
Porter's Five Forces is a model that identifies and analyses five competitive forces that shape every industry and helps determine an industry's weaknesses and strengths.
Rivalry among competing firms is central (most powerful) to the remaining four because it is used to measure competition intensity, attractiveness, and profitability of an industry or market.