Factors affecting blockchain adoption in apparel supply chains: does sustainability-oriented supplier development play a moderating role?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BT) in operations and supply chain and to explore the moderating role of sustainability-oriented supplier development on the effects studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory along with several strands of the literature in supply chain management and information systems. Drawing on survey data from 412 supply firms, a novel model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was empirically tested in the context of the apparel industry of Bangladesh – the world's second-largest apparel supplier nation.

Findings

The findings supported the theoretical framework developed. In particular, the findings suggested that supplier firms' intention to adopt blockchain in supply chains is influenced by relative advantage, compatibility, perceived trust, top management considerations, absorptive capacity, information sharing and collaborative culture, and trading partners' influence. However, regulatory support is yet to play a significant role in blockchain adoption behaviour. The findings also suggest that supplier development for sustainability significantly moderates the relationship between the several drivers' (e.g. relative advantage, compatibility, top management considerations and trading partners' influence) effects on blockchain adoption.

Practical implications

The findings could help in developing an enabling environment for introducing blockchain-based apparel operations and supply chains.

Originality/value

The study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable supply chain management and BT. In particular, the paper provides neoteric evidence on how supplier development towards achieving sustainability moderates the effects of organizational, technological, and environmental drivers on the intention to adopt BT.

Citation

Nath, S.D., Khayer, A., Majumder, J. and Barua, S. (2022), "Factors affecting blockchain adoption in apparel supply chains: does sustainability-oriented supplier development play a moderating role?", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 122 No. 5, pp. 1183-1214. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-07-2021-0466