ENHANCING SUPPLY CHAIN TRANSPARENCY, EFFICIENCY, AND SECURITY THROUGH DECENTRALIZED LEDGER-BASED BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Background: This study examines the effects of blockchain technologies—specifically decentralized ledgers, smart contracts, and identity management—on key supply chain performance metrics, including transparency, efficiency, and trust and security. With digital transformation reshaping logistics, understanding the strategic role of these technologies has become increasingly important. Methods: A conceptual model grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities theory was developed. Data were collected from 250 logistics workers and analyzed using structural equation modelling (SME) to examine the relationships among blockchain elements and supply chain performance. Results: The findings confirm significant positive relationships between decentralized ledgers, smart contracts, and trust and security in supply chain outcomes. Distributed ledger technology was found to enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust and security, while smart contracts further strengthened efficiency and transactional trust. Identity management contributed primarily to trust and security through credential verification and protection mechanisms. Conclusions: The findings underscore the strategic relevance of blockchain technologies in modern supply chains. They contribute to theoretical frameworks by confirming individual effects of core blockchain features on supply chain performance within RBV and dynamic capabilities perspectives. Overall, blockchain functions as a strategic enabler for improving transparency, efficiency, and trust and security across supply chain operations.