A review of supply chain integration constructs and a framework for future research

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the consistency of construct definition and measurement in the survey-based supply chain integration literature. A lack of consistency has been widely recognised and has contributed to a certain indiscernibility concerning the relationship between supply chain integration and performance. This study includes a comprehensive and systematic review of integration constructs and their measurement items, as well as on-site interviews with vice presidents responsible for overseeing supply chain operations in global corporations. Our analysis reveals the inconsistencies within the existing integration constructs and demonstrates how this may have contributed to a lack of consensus across the findings of existing empirical studies. To address this problem, we present the dimensions of supply chain integration and their interrelationships in a logical framework revealing the multiplicity of the integration dynamics. The framework will enable future researchers to consistently define and operationalise integration in supply chain research studies.