Level of competition

Level of competition
See also
Product competitors Industry life cycle Competitor Potential market Market potential Sales price variance Market growth Product portfolio Market for product

Level of competition is a measure of how competitive a market is, and is determined by the number of firms competing for customers, the quality and quantity of their offerings, and the ease with which customers can switch between them. From the perspective of management, level of competition is a key factor in determining the success of a business. It influences pricing and marketing strategies, product innovation, and the resources needed to compete. By understanding the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions about how to compete and increase their chances of success.

Example of level of competition

• In the fast food industry, the level of competition is high. There are countless fast food franchises competing for customers, offering a variety of products and services. Customers can easily switch between different restaurants, and companies must constantly innovate in order to stay ahead of the competition. Companies must also focus on marketing and pricing strategies to attract customers, and they must be prepared to invest resources in order to remain competitive.
• In the ride-sharing industry, the level of competition is also high. There are several large companies competing for customers, and the market is constantly changing. Companies must focus on providing a better user experience, offering competitive pricing and discounts, and investing in innovative features in order to stay ahead of their competitors.
• In the retail industry, the level of competition is also high. Companies must focus on providing unique products and services, offering competitive pricing and discounts, and investing in marketing and advertising in order to attract customers. Customers can easily switch between different stores, so companies must constantly innovate and differentiate themselves in order to remain competitive.

Formula of level of competition

The formula for determining the level of competition in a given market is:

L = (N / S) * C * I

where:

• L = Level of competition
• N = Number of competitors
• S = Size of the market
• C = Competitive intensity
• I = Ability to switch to a different product or service

This formula is used to calculate the level of competition in a given market by taking into account the number of competitors, the size of the market, the competitive intensity, and the ability to switch to a different product or service.

The number of competitors (N) is an important factor in determining the level of competition in a market. The more competitors there are, the greater the level of competition.

The size of the market (S) is also an important factor in determining the level of competition. The larger the market, the more potential customers and the greater the level of competition.

The competitive intensity (C) is a measure of how aggressively competitors are competing in the market. The higher the competitive intensity, the greater the level of competition.

The ability to switch to a different product or service (I) is also a factor in determining the level of competition. The easier it is for customers to switch to a different product or service, the greater the level of competition.

By multiplying these four factors together, we can calculate the level of competition in a given market.

When to use level of competition

Level of competition can be used to help businesses make decisions about pricing, marketing, product innovation, and resources. It is an important tool for managers to understand the competitive landscape and develop strategies to succeed. Here are some ways level of competition can be used:

• To assess market conditions and determine the level of competition in a given market.
• To identify potential entrants into a market and their likely impact on competition.
• To assess the competitive advantages of each firm in a market.
• To develop pricing strategies that maximize revenue and profits.
• To identify opportunities to differentiate a product or service from competitors.
• To develop marketing strategies to better target customers and increase market share.
• To identify potential changes in the competitive landscape and plan accordingly.

Types of level of competition

Level of competition can be broken down into several different types. These include:

• Perfect Competition: Perfect competition refers to a market where there are a large number of small buyers and sellers, all of whom have a perfect knowledge of the market and are able to act independently. Prices are determined by the interaction of supply and demand and it is difficult for any single firm to influence the market.
• Monopolistic Competition: Monopolistic competition is a type of market where there are many firms, each of which produces a product that is slightly different from the others. This allows firms to differentiate themselves from their competitors and compete on product attributes, such as price, quality and service.
• Oligopoly: Oligopoly is a market where there are only a few firms, and they have some degree of control over the market. The firms may compete on price, quality or other factors, but they also have the ability to cooperate with each other and limit competition.
• Monopoly: A monopoly is a market where there is only one firm and it has total control over the market. In a monopoly market, the firm has the ability to set prices and restrict supply in order to maximize its profits.

Other approaches related to level of competition

In addition to understanding the level of competition in a market, there are several other approaches to consider when assessing the competitive landscape. These include:

• Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of competitors: This involves researching and understanding the capabilities of each competitor and their specific strengths and weaknesses. This can help businesses identify areas where they can gain an advantage over their competitors.
• Identifying the markets and customers that competitors serve: Knowing who your competitors are targeting and the markets they are serving can help businesses identify opportunities to differentiate their offerings and gain an edge.
• Assessing competitor pricing strategies: Understanding how competitors price their products and services can help businesses price their offerings to remain competitive.
• Monitoring competitor activities: Keeping an eye on what competitors are doing can provide valuable insight into their strategies and plans and help businesses stay ahead of the competition.

In summary, understanding the level of competition in a market is an important part of assessing the competitive landscape. Other approaches include analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, identifying the markets and customers they serve, assessing their pricing strategies, and monitoring their activities. By using these approaches, businesses can make informed decisions about how to compete and increase their chances of success.

Suggested literature

• Easton, G. (1988). Competition and marketing strategy. European Journal of Marketing, 22(2), 31-49.