Implementation of Supply Chain Management Practices: The Role of Transformational Leadership

Abstract

Firms striving to achieve and sustain competitive advantage implement supply chain management (SCM) practices. It is reasoned that these practices significantly improve product quality and customer service level and increase market share and return on assets, and as a result, firms’ overall performance has been improved. The role of leadership, particularly transformational leadership, on implementing SCM practices is unexplained in the literature. In this direction, this study reviews literature in the fields of leadership and SCM to collect and systematically organize the findings in relation to the characteristics of transformational leaders and efforts they make to implement SCM practices in pursuit of achieving competitive advantage. This study indicates clearly that transformational leaders significantly contribute for implementing SCM practices. Further, implications for practices and future research are offered.