Applying the Action Profit Linkage Model in a Developing Nation

Much of the previous research in Zambia has involved broad macro-economic studies from which few useful inferences can be drawn for improving managerial performance in specific industries or business firms. The purpose of this study was to understand how macro-economic policy, business strategy and management systems influence business performance in a developing economy like Zambia. The study analyzed performance variables in the food and beverage industry that have critical importance for Zambian economic development. The Action-Profit Linkage (APL) model was adapted for this purpose. This study has implications for improving the performance of underperforming firms in the Zambian food and beverage industry. The findings shed light on some of the differences in doing business in Zambia. The book provides new insight on business performance in an African context which is different from the conventional Western model of business.