The moderating role of barriers on the relationship between drivers to supply chain integration and firm performance
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 6 November 2009
Abstract
Purpose
Implementation of supply chain management techniques requires thorough integration of processes between supply chain partners in all functional areas, including sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. Yet insufficient attention has been given to the means by which firms achieve high levels of integration. This study aims to examine moderators impacting supply chain integration barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
Supply chain integration drivers and moderating barriers to supply chain integration were identified by extensive search of the literature, and in‐depth interviews with supply chain managers. A survey was developed to measure levels of supply chain integration drivers, barriers to supply chain integration, and firm performance. The measures were validated using EFA, and the responses analyzed using multiple regression.
Findings
The study finds that firms with a desire to improve, operating in a challenging competitive environment typically experience high levels of performance. Further, barriers to supply chain integration can actually increase the firm's ability to achieve firm performance as the firm is required to make greater efforts to overcome those barriers and develop effective supply chain linkages.
Originality/value
This study answers a call for additional research into factors that enable and inhibit supply chain integration, and offers an empirical analysis of the moderating effect of supply chain integration barriers on the relationship between integration drivers and firm performance.
Keywords
Citation
Glenn Richey, R., Chen, H., Upreti, R., Fawcett, S.E. and Adams, F.G. (2009), "The moderating role of barriers on the relationship between drivers to supply chain integration and firm performance", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 39 No. 10, pp. 826-840. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030911011432
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited