Enablers of supply chain integration : Interpersonal and interorganizational relationship perspectives

Purpose – Previous research on supply chain integration (SCI) enablers has primarily focussed on interorganizational relationships, the purpose of this paper is to broaden the discussion to include interpersonal relationships (IPRs). Design/methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, a series of propositions are postulated and synthesized into a conceptual model of how IPRs maintain and enable SCI, which is decomposed into strategic alliance, information sharing, and process coordination. Findings – The authors find that IPRs including personal affection, communication, and credibility, have a positive influence on SCI, and these links are mediated by interorganizational relationships including trust, commitment, and power. Originality/value – The framework developed in this study provides new insights into the role of interpersonal networks in interorganizational relationships, which lead to SCI.