The role of supply chain collaboration in disruption recovery : a logistics services perspective

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Supply chains are faced with various disruptions which impact the performance of the focal firm and its network partners, such as third-party logistics providers (3PLs). Successful supply chain collaboration (SCC) can improve supply chain performance and provide greater synergistic advantages to network partners than could be achieved when working independently. SCC has been addressed extensively in the literature, but the specific role of SCC in supply chain disruption (SCD) recovery is unclear. This study aimed to explore how South African 3PLs and their clients collaborate during SCD recovery and the enablers of and barriers to such SCC. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : This study employed a generic qualitative research design. Data were collected from ten 3PLs and ten client firms through semi-structured interviews with senior managers. FINDINGS : The study identified four distinct roles of SCC during disruption recovery: facilitating, contributing, interconnecting and retaining. Furthermore, 3PLs and clients identified communication, IT, risk mitigation, and risk response tools and techniques for SCC during SCD recovery. In addition, the findings also reveal a range of intra- and inter-firm enablers and barriers to SCC during disruption recovery. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE : This study builds on the current literature by exploring SCC in SCD recovery within an emerging market setting, and SCC between 3PLs and their clients in an SCD recovery context. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS : Having a deeper understanding of the role of SCC in SCD recovery, the tools and techniques for SCC in SCD recovery and what drives and prevents SCC in SCD recovery, practitioners can fully realise the benefits associated with successful SCC in SCD recovery.