The Role of Information Integration in Facilitating 21 st Century Supply Chains: A Theory-Based Perspective

Abstract

Abstract Existing literature provides a number of examples that illustrate how systems that integrate information from multiple organizations can support chain capabilities. The literature, however, lacks theoretical support to facilitate an understanding of the magnitude of information system integration required to support the scope of relational and supply chain strategies an organization may have in place. This article uses the strategy-structure-performance paradigm to position information integration relative to the nature of relationships within the broader supply chain strategies a firm employs. The framework presented is a first step towards a more holistic and theory-based approach to understanding the link between information integration and supply chain performance, and is designed to serve as a basis for future research in this area.