Competitive intelligence practices in Brazil: an exploratory study

Abstract

Competitive intelligence (CI) as a strategic management tool is essential for organisations in developing countries. This article provides an overview of the current state of CI in Brazil. A questionnaire survey methodology was used where questionnaires were administered to CI professionals in organisations in Brazil. Only 46.1 per cent of the organisations indicated that they cope above average with changes in the external environment and the majority of the respondents strongly agreed that the CI function assists to quantify/ qualify strategic choices. The respondents do not use sophisticated analytical techniques to analyse data. It is recommended that organisations in Brazil should seek to engage proactively with the global environment by revising their strategic priorities. They need to redress critical competitiveness issues, most notably the establishment of the CI function as a strategic tool.