EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS AND ORGANISATIOAL GROWTH OF SELECTED CEMENT MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Manufacturing firms in Nigeria have continued to face significant macro-environmental challenges arising from economic instability, regulatory fluctuations, and rapid technological change. These external pressures have raised concerns regarding the sustainability and growth trajectory of capital-intensive industries such as cement manufacturing. This study examined the effect of external environmental factors on the organisational growth of Dangote Cement Company, Mangal Industries Limited, and Unicane Industries Limited in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The population comprised 3,650 employees across the three selected firms, from which a sample size of 396 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula with a 5% margin of error and an additional 10% safety allowance. Stratified sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation across firms and departments. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, and reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients exceeding 0.70 for all variables. Data were analysed using multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that economic, political and regulatory, and technological factors each had positive and statistically significant effects on organisational growth. The study concluded that organisational growth in the selected firms depended largely on effective adaptation to macro-environmental forces. It was recommended that firms strengthen economic risk management strategies, enhance regulatory compliance mechanisms, and prioritise continuous technological investment to sustain long-term growth.