Javad Feizabadi, Somayeh Alibakhshi and David M. Gligor
This study aims to introduce a multilevel micro-foundational perspective on supply chain (SC) ambidexterity, grounded in organizational learning and adaptation research. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce a multilevel micro-foundational perspective on supply chain (SC) ambidexterity, grounded in organizational learning and adaptation research. It investigates the interplay of contextual factors, strategic orientation and a bundle of supply chain management practices to foster ambidextrous performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Leveraging a blend of perceptual and objective data and measures, this study explores the intricacies of macro and micro factors at multiple levels, offering empirical support for the research framework. The interrelationships among these factors are scrutinized through three analytical approaches: selection, interaction and system forms of interdependence analysis.
Findings
First, the authors offer empirical support for their conceptual model, illustrating that ambidexterity behavior and outcomes in the SC emanate from intricate interactions between macro and micro factors across various levels. Second, the authors present robust empirical evidence endorsing a system/gestalt form of interdependence analysis in capturing SC ambidexterity and performance. This analytical approach effectively captures the complementarity and contradictory interdependence among the opposing poles of efficiency and responsiveness.
Originality/value
The organizational and SC activity configuration faces numerous paradoxical tensions, such as profitability versus sustainability. This study offers valuable insights into establishing an ambidextrous system capable of navigating and addressing these paradoxical situations.
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Javad Feizabadi and Somayeh Alibakhshi
To address how organizations should be malleable, the purpose herein is to draw on complementarity theory to examine the interaction effect of customer integration (i.e…
Abstract
Purpose
To address how organizations should be malleable, the purpose herein is to draw on complementarity theory to examine the interaction effect of customer integration (i.e. coordination) and shared relationship governance (i.e. cooperation) on supply chain adaptability and firm's performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research design is adopted to collect primary data from 177 automotive components suppliers. After assessing the measures' psychometric properties, the hypothesized relationships are evaluated using hierarchical regression analysis supplemented by structural equation modeling and complementarity test.
Findings
In the context of industrial markets, and specifically the automotive component industry, a complementary interaction effect is found between coordination and cooperation. The complementary impact was significant in affecting the supply chain adaptability and the firm's performance. Our results refine the existing supply chain integration by highlighting the complementary effect of coordination and cooperation.
Practical implications
Understanding the true interaction effect between cooperation and coordination to develop supply chain integration avoids decision-makers' misperception over or underinvesting in activities. This research also provides key insights on the complementary effect of coordination and cooperation to establish structural flexibility in the supply chain and the ability to respond to the disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originality/value
Understanding the true interaction effect between cooperation and coordination to develop supply chain integration avoids decision-makers' misperception over or underinvesting in activities. The implications for theory and practice are also presented.
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Javad Feizabadi, David M. Gligor and Somayeh Alibakhshi
Drawing on complementarity theory, this paper aims to examine the type and effect of interdependencies/interaction (i.e. complementarity or substitutability) between the supply…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on complementarity theory, this paper aims to examine the type and effect of interdependencies/interaction (i.e. complementarity or substitutability) between the supply chain capabilities of agility, adaptability and alignment.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research design is adopted to collect primary and secondary data from 182 international firms. The complementarity (or substitutability) of three As (agile, adaptable and aligned) were analyzed in three-way and pairwise interactions; both, correlation and performance differences methods of testing the type of interactions among the system’s elements were used. Supply chain-centric and firm-centric performance metrics were used to examine the interaction types.
Findings
The study did not find empirical evidence of three-way complementarity between the three As. However, this paper did find evidence of complementarity in bivariate interactions for alignment and adaptability. Moreover, in the performance difference method, the study found a substitute relationship between all pairs of As.
Practical implications
The findings related to the substitutability between the three As offer managers guidance on how to allocate their limited resources to avoid unnecessary over-or under-investing in either one of the three As.
Originality/value
This study helps refine prior findings related to the three As by offering evidence that firms can still achieve their performance-related goals with reduced investment commitments by taking advantage of the substitutability relationship existent between these capabilities. That is, instead of concomitantly developing all three As as past studies have suggested, managers can use the findings to determine how to prioritize their resource allocation better. Furthermore, understanding the actual interaction among the supply chain variables generally provide insights for designing the supply chain, change management in the supply chain, developing supply chain strategy and adopting best practices in the supply chain.
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Javad Feizabadi, David Gligor and Somayeh Alibakhshi
Drawing on configuration theory and adopting a holistic perspective, the authors aim to explore strategic supply chain elements' interaction with internal and external contextual…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on configuration theory and adopting a holistic perspective, the authors aim to explore strategic supply chain elements' interaction with internal and external contextual conditions. Specifically, they evaluate multivariate co-alignment of supply chain's capabilities (agility, adaptability, alignment), adhocracy organizational structure and environmental uncertainty (dynamism, munificence and complexity) that lead to superior performance outcomes (supply chain cycle time, financial performance, market performance).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research design is adopted to collect primary and secondary data from 182 international firms. Cluster analysis and profile deviation techniques are employed first to derive a taxonomy of strategic supply chains and then examine multivariate co-alignment.
Findings
The analysis reveals that four groups of triple-A supply chains could emerge. It is found that strategic supply chains exhibit a flexible/organic/fluid organizational structure and a high level of triple-As in their processes. These supply chains perform superior to a higher level of environmental complexity, munificence and dynamism.
Practical implications
This study's results provide insights for practitioners by informing their investment decisions for developing strategic supply chains. Specifically, this research highlights the contextuality of triple-A supply chains and offers best practices to capitalize on strategic supply chains.
Originality/value
Executives in organizations require a holistic understanding of various elements to ensure that the organizational system as a whole performs effectively. This research offers insights into the interdependencies of triple-A supply chains with other organizational and external environmental elements. Noteworthy implications for scholarship in operations/supply chain management and supply chain practitioners are presented.
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Javad Feizabadi, David Gligor and Somayeh Alibakhshi Motlagh
The purpose of this paper is to draw on resource orchestration theory (ROT) and resource advantage theory (RAT) to develop a measurement scale for supply chain competitive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw on resource orchestration theory (ROT) and resource advantage theory (RAT) to develop a measurement scale for supply chain competitive advantage (SCCA) as a second-order construct with the dimensions of agility, adaptability and alignment (triple-A).
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research design is adopted to collect primary and secondary data from 182 international firms. The paper utilizes a scale development procedure to develop a measurement instrument and assess its psychometric properties. The scale’s predictive validity is tested using both subjective and objective data. Additionally, the simultaneous effect of triple-A is tested using latent congruent modeling.
Findings
Drawing upon ROT and RAT, this study introduces SCCA as a second-order construct composed of SC agility, adaptability and alignment. In addition, the findings show that an SCCA has a direct and positive impact on firms’ financial and market performance.
Originality/value
Existing literature indicates that competition has shifted from inter-firm to inter-SC. To account for this change in competition level, past studies have suggested various capabilities that SCs must possess to offer a competitive advantage, such as triple-As. However, drawing upon RAT and ROT, the authors argue that the SCCA construct accounts for sources of advantage in both the resource side and the demand side. The authors further assert that possessing supply chain resources (i.e. agility, adaptability, alignment as disparate resources) is not sufficient to create advantage but the resources must be orchestrated to create SCCA (i.e. the combination of agility, adaptability and alignment).