Guanxi and information sharing in supply chain quality management: a multi-method investigation

Abstract

Companies are facing increasing challenges in managing product quality in their supply chains. To address the question of how to effectively mitigate quality issues by conducting quality management practices in the supply chain, the present study seeks to explore the relationship between Guanxi, information sharing (IS) and four important dimensions of supply chain quality management (SCQM). Our empirical investigation follows a mixed-methods approach using survey data from 468 managers working in Chinese companies and by applying structural equation modelling, outcomes suggest that separately applying Guanxi and IS can improve the performance of SCQM activities. Considering the interdependencies between different SCQM processes, we apply a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to demonstrate different combinations of core elements in their attainment of high levels of SCQM dimensions. Three case studies are also conducted to determine how these factors, as well as other crucial enablers or inhibitors, emerge, interact, and impact each SCQM stage. The outcomes of case studies reinforce and refine the findings of the fsQCA analysis and highlight the synergy effects between four SCQM dimensions and how Guanxi and IS can be applied when orchestrating these dimensions.