Prioritising dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation for supply chain flexibility development in an uncertain environment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the underlying relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and supply chain flexibility (SCF) in a market characterised by several uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies an explanatory sequential mixed method, in which an analytical approach is proposed and validated to establish the underlying relationships between environmental uncertainties, SCF, and entrepreneurial orientation. Thereafter, a focus group study is carried out to explain the findings of a case study analysis.

Findings

The study evaluates and prioritises dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation to develop SCF in a market characterised by several environmental uncertainties. It also develops a structured, effective, and flexible methodological approach to establish the relationships between environmental uncertainty, SCF, and entrepreneurial orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a single firm; therefore, the use of larger sample size can improve its generalisability.

Practical implications

Supply chain practitioners should emphasise on innovative culture to support SCF. The study also proposes an analytical approach to improve flexibility in the supply chain.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the area of interdisciplinary research by developing an integrated analytical approach that identifies and brings together concepts that existed in the disparate form in supply chain, flexibility, and entrepreneurship literature.

Citation

Mishra, R. and Mishra, O.N. (2019), "Prioritising dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation for supply chain flexibility development in an uncertain environment", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 483-505. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-05-2018-0138