Information sharing and supply chain performance: the role of connectivity and willingness
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how information technology (IT) is used to enhance supply chain performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A large‐scale survey and semi‐structured interviews were used to collect industry data.
Findings
Two distinct dimensions to information sharing – connectivity and willingness – are identified and analyzed. Both dimensions are found to impact operational performance and to be critical to the development of a real information sharing capability. However, many companies are found to have placed most of their emphasis on connectivity, often overlooking the willingness construct. As a result, information sharing seldom delivers on its promise to enable the creation of the cohesive supply chain team.
Research limitations
Despite the extensive data collection, the research represents a snapshot of practice. Replication from a longitudinal perspective would help define how IT is evolving to enable supply chain management.
Practical implications
A roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.
Originality/value
The research presents a two‐by‐two matrix to help managers and academics understand the related nature of connectivity and willingness. A roadmap is presented to help guide IT development and investment decisions.
Keywords
Citation
Fawcett, S.E., Osterhaus, P., Magnan, G.M., Brau, J.C. and McCarter, M.W. (2007), "Information sharing and supply chain performance: the role of connectivity and willingness", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 12 No. 5, pp. 358-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540710776935
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited