Supply chain flexibility in dynamic environments : The enabling role of operational absorptive capacity and organisational learning

Gallego-Burin, Araceli Rojo and Stevenson, Mark and Llorens-Montes, Javier and Perez-Arostegui, Maria Nieves (2018) Supply chain flexibility in dynamic environments : The enabling role of operational absorptive capacity and organisational learning. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 38 (3). pp. 636-666. ISSN 0144-3577

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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between environmental dynamism and supply chain flexibility (SCF) and to evaluate if two dynamic capabilities, i.e. operational absorptive capacity (OAC) and organisational learning (OL), are necessary competences for firms to develop such a responsive supply chain strategy as flexibility. Design/methodology/approach Hypothesised relationships are tested with survey data from 302 Spanish manufacturing firms using structural equations modelling. Findings Environmental dynamism is positively associated with both OAC and OL, and both dynamic capabilities enable SCF. The authors also find that the relationship between environmental dynamism and SCF is partially mediated by both dynamic capabilities. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the literature, for example, by determining when it is advantageous to develop SCF, by specifying what capabilities a firm needs to develop to align SCF with the environment, and by opening the black box that is the relationship between the environment and SCF. Practical implications Managers should develop SCF via OAC and OL when they detect a high degree of environmental dynamism. Knowing when this is necessary relies on a good understanding of the environment. OAC is found to be a stronger enabler of SCF than OL. The findings provide managers with an insight into why some firms are able to develop more effective responses to dynamic environments than others. Originality/value This study is one of only a limited number of studies that adopt a dynamic capabilities approach to supply chain management. Prior literature has shown that dynamic capabilities can aid in developing strategic, structural, and operational flexibility. The authors extend this literature by showing that OAC and OL have an effect on SCF.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Operations and Production Management
Additional Information:
This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1400/1408
Subjects:
?? organizational learningsurveyabsorptive capacityenvironmental dynamismsupply chain flexibilitystrategy and managementdecision sciences(all)management of technology and innovation ??
ID Code:
88299
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
17 Oct 2017 13:10
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
04 Jan 2024 00:18