What term describes attributes that enable firms to provide goods and services with higher perceived value than their competitors?

The term that describes attributes enabling firms to provide goods and services with a higher perceived value than their competitors is competitive advantage. This concept highlights how certain resources, capabilities, or strategies allow a firm to differentiate its offerings, enhance customer satisfaction, or create efficiencies that lead to superior performance in comparison to rivals. Competitive advantage is often established through innovation, branding, unique technology, or specialized skills that are not easily replicated by competitors.

In contrast, market share refers to the portion of a market controlled by a particular company, which does not inherently indicate the value proposition of its products or services. Operational efficiency focuses on the ability of a firm to deliver products or services with minimal waste and cost, which is important but does not directly address perceived value. Financial leverage relates to the use of debt to enhance returns, but it does not encompass the value-added attributes of goods and services in comparison to competitors. Thus, competitive advantage is the key concept that encapsulates the ability to deliver greater perceived value.