Self-organisation and supply chain agility: empirical evidence from humanitarian relief operations in a developing country
International Journal of Emergency Services
ISSN: 2047-0894
Article publication date: 10 June 2021
Issue publication date: 5 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to establish whether self-organisation and its components matter for supply chain agility in the context of humanitarian relief operations in a developing country, Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a cross-sectional design to collect data from a sample of 101 humanitarian organisations (HOs) that deliver relief to Bidi-Bidi refugee settlement in Uganda.
Findings
Based on the findings, self-organisation explains 56% of the variance in supply chain agility.
Research limitations/implications
Since the study was cross-sectional, changes in the perception of the subject matter could not be established. Hence, a longitudinal approach was recommended for subsequent studies. Data was collected only from HOs that deliver relief services in Bidi-Bidi refugee settlement.
Practical implications
It is recommended that managers of HOs should ensure that their organisations have flexible, adaptive structures that can affect self-organisation during emergencies so as to increase the speed with which they respond to victims' needs.
Originality/value
This study generates significant empirical evidence on a less studied phenomenon in the humanitarian sector. It vividly highlights the effect of self-organisation on building supply chain agility.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the Almighty God.
Citation
Mutebi, H., Muhwezi, M. and Munene, J.C.K. (2021), "Self-organisation and supply chain agility: empirical evidence from humanitarian relief operations in a developing country", International Journal of Emergency Services, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 390-411. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-07-2020-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited