CORPORATE STRATEGY, ETHICS AND SUSTAINABLE VALUE CREATION IN THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR

Abstract

This conceptual paper examines the interface between corporate strategy and ethics in the pursuit of sustainable value creation among Nigerian banks. While previous studies have typically addressed these factors in isolation or emphasized short-term financial gains, this paper posits that their integration is vital for long-term profitability, brand reputation and a significant social and economic impact. The analysis is based on secondary data from academic journals, regulatory publications and industry reports and focuses on four key dimensions of market expansion strategy, competitive strategy, and transparency and compliance culture. The results show that effective strategic management not only creates value, but also improves the trust of the stakeholders, by increasing the transparency and ethical compliance by those banks. But neither can do it alone, and the combination of the two allows a sustained performance over time. The study concludes with a call on Nigerian banks to incorporate ethical considerations into their strategic decision making as a basic element for competitive advantage. The real payoffs to stakeholders, investors, customers, regulators, employees, society, come not from treating strategy and ethics as separate factors, but from this synergy.