Supply Network Strategy and Social Capital

Abstract

The focus of this chapter is on interorganizational supply networks and, specifically, the social capital and liability within them. Supply networks are sub-networks nested within interorganizational networks that include the actors, resources and activities associated with value adding processes converting resources to goods and services. To describe the nature of supply networks and the concept of supply, the literature review within the chapter traces the development of the concept through the different systems levels of supply within the firm boundary, within dyadic supplier-customer relationships, within chains of relationships, and within whole focal firm supply networks, providing examples of social capital and social liability.