Unleashing the power of supply chain learning: an empirical investigation
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 18 April 2023
Issue publication date: 8 August 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Organisational learning plays a critical role for firms to keep abreast of a supply chain environment filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). This study investigates the extent to which supply chain learning (SCL) affects operational resilience under such circumstances.
Design/methodology/approach
This study developed a research framework and underlying hypotheses based on SCL and information processing theory (IPT). An empirical test was carried out using secondary data derived from the “Supply Chain Policy” launched by the Chinese government and two large related conferences.
Findings
SCL positively relates to operational resilience, and several moderators influence the relationship between them. The authors argue that digital-technological diversity could weaken the role of SCL in operational resilience, whereas customer concentration, and participating in a pilot programme could enhance the effect of SCL.
Practical implications
Firms should embrace the power of SCL in building resilience in the VUCA era. Meanwhile, they should be cautious of a digital-technological diversification strategy, appraise the customer base profile and proactively engage in pilot programmes.
Originality/value
This research develops the SCL construct further in the context of China and empirically measures its power on operational resilience using a unique dataset. This contributes to the theorisation of SCL.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Dajian Hu, Assistant Chair of China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP), and Ms. Lei Jin, Deputy Director of Standardization Department, CFLP, for their great support on the research project. This work is supported by the Major Programme of the National Social Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22&ZD096) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 72071221).
Citation
Liu, X., Tse, Y.K., Wang, S. and Sun, R. (2023), "Unleashing the power of supply chain learning: an empirical investigation", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 43 No. 8, pp. 1250-1276. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-09-2022-0555
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited