Through what means can managers help their organizations gain a competitive edge?

The competitive edge of an organization can be significantly influenced by its strategy regarding cost leadership, differentiation, or focus. This answer is correct because these strategies provide a clear framework for how a business can position itself in the market relative to its competitors.

Cost leadership involves becoming the lowest-cost provider in the industry, enabling the organization to offer lower prices or achieve higher margins than competitors. Differentiation, on the other hand, focuses on creating unique value propositions that attract customers, such as superior quality, brand reputation, or advanced features that distinguish the product or service from others. The focus strategy narrows the target audience, concentrating efforts on a specific market segment, which can lead to a strong brand loyalty if executed effectively.

These strategic approaches allow organizations to tailor their operations and marketing efforts in a way that aligns with their goals, ultimately leading to a competitive advantage. In contrast, information systems expertise, technology infrastructure, and a set of procedures may support these strategies, but they do not directly define how a company gains a competitive advantage in the marketplace.