Determinants and impacts of supply chain responsiveness: an empirical research

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting supply chain responsiveness. Additionally, it investigates the relationships between supply chain responsiveness, customer satisfaction and competitive power.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative method was adopted. Data were collected from 290 companies operating in Turkey and tested with structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that supply chain responsiveness is related to continuous process improvement, supplier integration and environmental uncertainty but not to customer integration. The findings also present relationships between supply chain responsiveness, customer satisfaction and competitive power.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate that decision-makers should invest in continuous process improvement and supplier integration. They also need to understand that their supply chain responsiveness depends on the environmental dynamism of their sectors, and they must direct their efforts accordingly. Finally, decision-makers wishing high customer satisfaction and competitive power must value supply chain responsiveness and take necessary actions to achieve it.Originality/valueA literature review for this study indicated very limited empirical evidence of the relationship between continuous process improvement, supplier integration, customer integration, environmental uncertainty and supply chain responsiveness. Similarly, there was a quest for more research on the relationships between supply chain responsiveness, customer satisfaction and competitive power. This work will enhance the literature by adding knowledge in these areas.