Strategies Taxicab Owners Use to Sustain Their Operations in a Competitive Environment

Strategies Taxicab Owners Use to Sustain Their Operations in a Competitive Environment by Emmanuel Appah MBA, Ashford University, 2015 BS, Penn Foster College, 2013 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Abstract Taxicab owners are losing market share to technology companies including Sidecars, Lyft, and Uber. Whereas Uber is growing rapidly, operating in over 150 U.S. cities and 58 countries with an estimated market valuation of $62.5 billion, taxicab owners have experienced a significant decline in growth because of a deficiency of business strategies. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore business strategies taxicab owners use to sustain their operations. A purposive sampling of 6 taxicab owners and managers from 6 taxicab companies in Denver County, Colorado participated in semistructured face-to-face interviews. Data from the interviews were transcribed, coded,Taxicab owners are losing market share to technology companies including Sidecars, Lyft, and Uber. Whereas Uber is growing rapidly, operating in over 150 U.S. cities and 58 countries with an estimated market valuation of $62.5 billion, taxicab owners have experienced a significant decline in growth because of a deficiency of business strategies. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore business strategies taxicab owners use to sustain their operations. A purposive sampling of 6 taxicab owners and managers from 6 taxicab companies in Denver County, Colorado participated in semistructured face-to-face interviews. Data from the interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to ascertain themes relating to business strategies that sustain taxicab operations. Methodological triangulation was used to validate data during the analysis process. Drawing from Christensen's disruptive innovation theory, 5 main themes emerged. The 5 main themes included excellent customer service, competitive strategies, market research, adaptation to technological and cultural changes, and training. Findings showed that successful taxicab business strategies included (a) providing effective customers services, (b) formulating and using efficient competitive strategies; (c) establishing appropriate training for drivers and employees; (d) conducting market research to ascertain market trends; and (e) adapting to the dynamics of technological and cultural changes to satisfy customers’ requirements. The implication for positive social change includes taxicab business owners formulating effective business strategies, thereby improving the economic well-being of local communities. Strategies Taxicab Owners Use to Sustain Their Operations in a Competitive Environment by Emmanuel Appah MBA, Ashford University, 2015 BS, Penn Foster College, 2013 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2018 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my loving mother, Christolite Baidoo and my Uncle John Baidoo who took care of my needs throughout my younger age, when all hope had dissipated. I also dedicate this study to my beautiful wife Shelia Evans Appah, my adorable kids Isiah, Ezekiel and Britney for their comprehension, absolute love, and supports. By the grace of God, I have leaped over the wall of limitation and underachievement. I pass the mantle to you to pursue and overcome. Accomplishing this milestone is a symptomatic of the fact that with God everything is achievable. It takes prayer, hard work, planning, commitment, and perseverance to see the fruition of one`s labor. I also dedicate this work to my pastor, Jake Aryee and my mother-in-law Alma Catholic for their moral supports and encouragement. Acknowledgments I would like to express my thoughtful appreciation to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for sailing me through these waters. It would not have been a possibility to complete this study without the relentless guidance, encouragement, and immense support from my doctoral committee. First, I would like to express my sincere thanks to my committee chair, Dr. Roger Mayer, second committee member, Dr. David Harris, and my URR, Dr. Rocky Dwyer for their supports and constructive feedback. I extend my special thanks to Dr. Godfred Adomako, Dr. Rebecca Attah, and Dr. Robert Oppong for their supports. My special appreciation goes to Mr. Joseph Amos, Pastor Anderson, and my siblings for their moral support.