Modern slavery supply chain capabilities: the effects of Blockchain technology and employees’ digital dexterity

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address a significant and previously unanswered question for both academics and practitioners: how do organizations learn to apply Blockchain technology to support modern slavery (MS) supply chain capabilities? Specifically, this study examines whether employees’ digital dexterity (EDD) and strategic investment in Blockchain technology (SIBT) can support three MS supply chain capabilities: internal MS capability (IMSC), MS capability with customers (MSCC) and MS capability with suppliers (MSCS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses resource accumulation and deployment perspective to explain how EDD promotes SIBT, which then drives the development of MS supply chain capabilities. Survey data collected from the Chinese manufacturing industry were used to test the proposed theoretical framework and hypotheses through structural equation modelling and moderated regression analysis.

Findings

EDD has a positive relationship with SIBT. SIBT has a positive relationship with IMSC. IMSC fully mediates the relationships between SIBT and MS capability with customers and suppliers.

Originality/value

By conceptualizing MS supply chain capabilities as a multi-dimensional construct for the first time, this study discovers the significant mediating roles of IMSC. The empirical findings also clarify digital dexterity of employees that drives investment in Blockchain technology to foster MS supply chain capabilities as resource accumulation and deployment processes.

Citation

Yu, W., Wong, C.Y., Jacobs, M. and Chavez, R. (2025), "Modern slavery supply chain capabilities: the effects of Blockchain technology and employees’ digital dexterity", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 45 No. 1, pp. 210-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-11-2023-0881