The moderating role of supplier relationship on the effect of postponement on supply chain resilience under different levels of environmental uncertainty

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between postponement and supply chain resilience (SCR), as well as to explore the separate and combined moderating effects of supplier relationship (SR) and environmental uncertainty (EU) on that relationship. Based on the survey data from 261 manufacturing SMEs in the Sana’a and Taiz regions in Yemen, the proposed relationships in the research model were tested. Our empirical results reveal that postponement positively and significantly affects SCR. Furthermore, SR strengthens the postponement–SCR relationship under a lower level of EU. The results of this paper provide useful insights for managers and decision-makers of SMEs, who are expected to show a greater interest in building long-term relationships with suppliers. This has implications that by building a strong SR, SMEs are expected to be able to leverage the full potential of postponement to enhance SCR at a low level of EU.