Is blockchain truly improving supply chain information quality? A positivist case study research

Abstract

Purpose

This paper advances the understanding of how blockchain technology enhances the quality of information within the supply chain by employing the information-processing view as a theoretical lens.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research begins with a review of the existing literature and formulates a set of propositions. We then employ a positivist case study approach in various industries across Europe, the USA and Argentina, encompassing agriculture, fisheries, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals, to empirically investigate these propositions.

Findings

Our study confirms that blockchain enhances the dimensions of information quality by reinforcing traceability and transparency. Nevertheless, the degree of traceability and transparency depends on the supply chain’s internal processes, blockchain configurations and willingness to share information. Moreover, blockchain does not ensure perfect information security, lacking guaranteed immutability and decentralization in present supply chain applications. Furthermore, the integration of complementary technologies with blockchain to reconcile the divide between physical and digital realms remains largely untested, introducing uncertainty about its influence on information accuracy. Consequently, this study cautions against viewing blockchain as a wholesale replacement for inter-organizational trust.

Originality/value

Blockchain technology is widely regarded as having substantial potential to revolutionize supply chain information systems. However, only a limited number of studies have critically examined the value added by blockchain within an inter-organizational context.

Citation

Alkhudary, R. (2024), "Is blockchain truly improving supply chain information quality? A positivist case study research", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-12-2023-0551