Supply Chain Context and its Impacts on Resilience

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the influence of supply chain context on supply chain resilience, during an extreme climate event. Design/methodology/approach: Based on 41 indepth qualitative interviews in two Brazilian agri-food supply chains, this study explored how supply chain specificities influence the perceptions of environment and responses to an event at different nodes of the supply chain. Findings: The results provided empirical evidence that the supply chain context (governance mechanisms and different resilience levels of firms) may underpin resilience capabilities. Resilience strategies are contingent on the supply chain and interfirm relationships. Research limitations/implications: This study explores the context of two agri-food supply chains in Brazil during an extreme weather event. While the findings are relevant, future studies might explore different industries and countries. Practical implications: To build supply chain resilience, organizations must leverage and align capabilities for a common purpose. Social implications: The most vulnerable organizations in the chain are the least prone to build resilience. There is a need to intensify knowledge sharing to address the necessary adaptation. Originality value: This study throws light on the contingency context as well as on the different perspectives at each node of the supply chain. Additionally, it covers two different phases of a disaster (longitudinal study).