What configurations of structures facilitate supply chain learning? A supply chain network and complexity perspective

Abstract

PurposeThis study explores how factors arising from supply chain (SC) network and complexity work together in supply chain learning (SCL) behavior.Design/methodology/approachFuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, which is an emerging configurational analysis method, was adopted to examine the complex combination of five influencing factors. The data were collected using a two-stage survey. First, the authors selected seven typical firms with an awareness of SCL. Second, questionnaires were sent to the partners of the seven selected firms, and 156 valid questionnaires were obtained from 76 firms.FindingsDrawing on emergent insights from the initiative, the authors find that multiple configurations of SC network and complexity lead to high SCL. Specifically, weak ties are necessary conditions of such learning, while strong ties are also conducive to this. Moreover, a moderate SC complexity is conducive to SCL.Practical implicationsThis study enriches the understanding of SCL and provides new insights for SC management practitioners to take measures to improve it.Originality/valueThis study addresses the lack of in-depth understanding of the antecedent conditions of SCL in the literature. It establishes an integrated and comprehensive theoretical framework of such learning based on contingency theory. Additionally, this study incorporates ambidextrous SCL (i.e. creation capability and dispersion capacity). An overall prototype of SCL capability is proposed on SC network and complexity theory.

Network embeddedness and manufacturing SMEs’ green innovation performance: the moderating role of resource orchestration capability

“…Firstly, traditional studies based on the "relationship-structure" perspective have yielded inconsistent conclusions regarding the relationship between network embeddedness and corporate innovation (Zhao et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2023;Soda et al, 2021;Tortoriello, 2015;Chen et al, 2019;Dana et al, 2020;Melander and Arvidsson, 2022;Melander and Pazirandeh, 2019).…”

“…Firstly, this study advances the application of social network theory in green innovation by revealing the effects and differences of market and technology network embeddedness on green innovation performance. Prior research has yielded conflicting findings regarding the innovation impact of network embeddedness (Zhao et al, 2021;Wang et al, 2023;Soda et al, 2021;Tortoriello, 2015;Chen et al, 2019;Dana et al, 2020;Melander and Arvidsson, 2022;Melander and Pazirandeh, 2019). This study divides network embeddedness into dimensions based on the heterogeneous network resources perspective and empirically examines and compares the effects of market network embeddedness and technology network embeddedness on green innovation performance.…”

“…Building upon this, scholars argue that weak ties facilitate the dissemination of fresh, diverse, heterogeneous, and non-redundant information and knowledge (Tiwana, 2008;Chiambaretto et al, 2019;Aral and Dhillon, 2022), thereby positively influencing innovation outcomes (Michelfelder and Kratzer, 2013). Furthermore, weak ties ensure the breadth of knowledge (Wang et al, 2017), thereby enhancing flexibility in acquiring innovation knowledge (Kraatz, 1998;Wang et al, 2023). However, Krackhardt (1992) advocates for the advantages of "strong ties," asserting that they can facilitate mutual trust between firms (Tortoriello et al, 2012;Zhao et al, 2021), overcoming barriers in the innovation knowledge absorption process (Sarkar et al, 2001;Jiang et al, 2015;Wang, 2016).…”

“…Furthermore, weak ties ensure the breadth of knowledge (Wang et al. , 2017), thereby enhancing flexibility in acquiring innovation knowledge (Kraatz, 1998; Wang et al. , 2023).…”

“…However, a clear consensus on the optimal form of network embeddedness has yet to be reached. The relationship embeddedness perspective focuses on directly connected individuals, with some arguing that weak ties are more advantageous due to the heterogeneity and widespread resources they bring (Chiambaretto et al, 2019;Wang et al, 2017Wang et al, , 2023. However, others contend that strong ties can yield better results, fostering trust, mutual commitment, and rich emotional resources, thereby reducing opportunistic behavior (Zhao et al, 2021;Perkins, 2019;Radziwon and Bogers, 2019).…”