The effects of dynamism, relational capital, and ambidextrous innovation on the supply chain resilience of U.S. firms amid COVID-19

Abstract

Supply chain resilience has become a topic of revitalized interest amid COVID-19. Amongst other anomalies, COVID-19 continues to disrupt global supply chains; thus, it remains critical to understand resilience in supply chains as a mechanism with which to respond to pandemic-related disruptions. Supply chains remain an important determinant of firm capital consumption and, as such, this study aims to examine the relationships between ambidexterity and relational capital as they relate to the resilience of U.S firms' supply chains during the contemporary market irregularities. A sample of 227 firms located in the United States were collected to analyse these convictions. PLS-SEM was utilized to test both direct and mediation results. Results suggest relational capital may have a significant role in facilitating supply chain resilience. Relational capital also acts as a strong mediator between ambidextrous innovation and resilience. Nevertheless, ambidexterity is less influential upon supply chain resilience than anticipated. This study therefore contributes towards existing supply chain resilience literature by providing a novel approach to including relational capital; something not previously considered. This paper also contributes to a greater understanding of the notions of ambidextrous innovation and relational capital amid extreme supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.