Supply Chain Alertness: A Relational Review

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between the pattern of use of two types of information networks (i,e., supply chain benchmarking network and supply chain partner network) and two types of supply chain alertness (i.e., strategic supply chain alertness and operational supply chain alertness). Drawing from social network theories and supply chain management literature, this study proposes that the strength of benchmarking ties of a firm has positive effect on strategic supply chain alertness and this relation is moderated by the diversity of benchmarking ties of a firm; the strength of supply chain partnership of a firm enhances operational supply chain alertness and this relation is moderated by the tie diversity of a firm’s supply chain partners. Data from 78 firms supported the moderating effects. Based on findings, we introduce a framework to guide future research in the area of supply chain alertness.