Achieving supply chain resilience: the role of supply chain ambidexterity and supply chain agility

Abstract

Purpose

This study analyzes the role of supply chain ambidexterity (SC-Ambidexterity) in developing supply chain resilience (SC-Resilience). We describe SC-Ambidexterity as a simultaneous application of supply chain adaptability (SC-Adaptability) and supply chain alignment (SC-Alignment) capabilities. We also consider the role of supply chain agility (SC-Agility) in the relationship between SC-Ambidexterity and SC-Resilience. We further suggest that the relationship between SC-Ambidexterity and SC-Resilience may be stronger in case of higher market uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the dynamic capabilities view (DCV) of the firm, we develop a set of hypotheses that are tested through a survey of manufacturing firms in Pakistan. The hypothesized model is tested through structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results of this study show a positive effect of SC-Ambidexterity on SC-Resilience. SC-Agility positively mediates the relationship between SC-Ambidexterity and SC-Resilience. However, our results show that this relationship does not vary at different levels of environmental uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study provides the seminal operationalization of SC-Ambidexterity in the supply chain context. It further shows the importance of SC-Ambidexterity and SC-Agility in contributing toward SC-Resilience.

Citation

Aslam, H., Khan, A.Q., Rashid, K. and Rehman, S.-u. (2020), "Achieving supply chain resilience: the role of supply chain ambidexterity and supply chain agility", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 31 No. 6, pp. 1185-1204. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-07-2019-0263