The symbiotic existence of interorganizational and interpersonal ties in supply chain collaboration
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 14 August 2017
Abstract
Purpose
Social network perspective to interorganizational relations focuses on the effect of organizations’ external relationships in collaboration as opposed to their internal resources and capabilities. It presumes that effectively managing such relationships is vital to gaining collaborative synergies. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing interest in the social network perspective to explain supply chain collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature from the network field is discussed in the context of interorganizational collaboration. A logistics service provider’s network is explored in depth leading to the inductive construction of a multi-level model of social network collaboration.
Findings
The conceptual model provides a useful lens to evaluate supply chain collaboration. The symbiotic relationship between interorganizational and interpersonal networks is highlighted as vital for effective collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model has only been developed from a single network. Wider application is required to ensure generalizability. The critical role of the personal networks of boundary spanning actors at different levels wants further investigation.
Practical implications
Partners’ intra-organizational structures and personal ties of boundary spanners, both at the senior and operational level, have a profound effect on supply chain operations.
Originality/value
Personal networks interact with organizational networks and complement each other in yielding interfirm collaborative synergies.
Keywords
Citation
Ekanayake, S., Childerhouse, P. and Sun, P. (2017), "The symbiotic existence of interorganizational and interpersonal ties in supply chain collaboration", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 723-754. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-12-2014-0198
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited