The Role of Wearable Technologies in Supply Chain Collaboration: A Case of Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

The technological transformation has led to the introduction of mini computers as wearable computers which facilitate users to use the Internet, different applications, messaging, and for calls all on one platform. The focus of these wearable computers in earlier studies has been on consumers and technical aspects, and their application has not been explored from an organizational perspective. This means that the recent introduction of wearable technology has great potential, which is untapped in the organizational context, especially for supply chain collaboration (SC). In this study, wearable technology is thought to offer huge potential for organizations in SC. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine the role of wearable technology i.e. Smartwatch in enhancing collaboration among supply chain members with mediating roles of green training (GT) and emotional intelligence (EI). The population of this study is the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan. Simple random sampling method has been used to collect data from 150 sample size. Data have been collected through offline and online survey method. Data have been analyzed through partial least square-structure equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results of this study have empirically tested the established conceptual framework. Continuance intention to use smartwatch has a positive effect on SC. Furthermore, GT and EI have mediating roles between continuance intention to use smartwatch and SC. It is concluded that the continuance intention to use smartwatch will increase SC. GT and EI will strengthen the relationship between continuance intention to use smartwatch and SC. The use of wearable technology will motivate employees to communicate rapidly and to monitor their supply chain activities using web-based and other applications. This study has practical implications in organizations and theoretical contribution to literature.