Supply chain learning and performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain learning (SCL)–performance relationship based on the existing empirical evidence.Design/methodology/approachWe sampled 54 empirical studies on the SCL–performance relationship. We proposed a conceptual research framework and adopted a meta-analytical approach to analyse the SCL–performance relationship.FindingsThe results of the meta-analysis confirm the positive effects of SCL on the performance of both firms and supply chains. In addition, building on the knowledge-based view, we found that learning from customers has a stronger positive effect on performance than does learning from suppliers, while joint learning has a stronger positive effect on performance than does absorptive learning. Business knowledge had a greater effect on performance than did general knowledge, process knowledge or technical knowledge, while explicit knowledge had a stronger effect than tacit knowledge. Moreover, the SCL–performance relationship is moderated by performance measure and industry type but not by regional economic development, highlighting the broad applicability of SCL.Originality/valueThis study is the first meta-analysis on the SCL–performance relationship. It differentiates between learning from customers and learning from suppliers, examines a more comprehensive list of performance measures and tests five moderators to the main effect, significantly contributing to the SCL literature.

From supply chain learning to the learning supply chain: drivers, processes, complexity, trade-offs and challenges

“…Interestingly, the six papers all have applied different theories. Chen et al (2023) adopt knowledge-based view in which knowledge is the main content of SCL. Wang et al (2023) apply contingency theory and explore the antecedents of SCL.…”

“…Wang et al, 2023;Yang et al, 2023;Yan et al, 2023;Liu et al, 2023), one in Brazil (i.e. Santos et al, 2023 and one non-empirical paper (Chen et al, 2023). We didn't purposely select the papers with any specific geographic focus, but as one of the world's largest manufacturers, China offers a fertile space for SCL.…”

“…From the SCL driver perspective, aligned with existing research on SCL, the majority of the selected papers have a central focus on focal company driven SCL. For example, Chen et al. (2023) conduct a meta-analysis and assume focal firms can learn from suppliers and customers, which follows the traditional focus of survey studies on SCL.…”

“…Interestingly, the six papers all have applied different theories. Chen et al. (2023) adopt knowledge-based view in which knowledge is the main content of SCL.…”

The contradictory effect of lean and industry 4.0 synergy on firm performance: a meta-analysis

“…Previous literature in meta-analysis studies (Wang et al, 2018;Chen et al, 2021Chen et al, , 2023 acknowledges that factors such as region, company type, and industrial sector serve as contingent variables that can moderate firm performance. It is worth to recognise that alterations in these variables may lead to changes in the relationship between Lean-I4.0 integration and firm performance.…”