Faculty Publications

Performance Implications Of Lean In Supply Chains: Exploring The Role Of Learning Orientation And Relational Resources

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Lean, Learning orientation, Operational performance, Relational resources, Resource-based view

Journal/Book/Conference Title

International Journal of Production Economics

Volume

216

First Page

94

Last Page

104

Abstract

The study enhances understanding of the contribution of learning orientation and supply chain partnership resources in building lean capability, and its impact on operational performance. Using the resource-based view, the relational view and organizational learning, the study develops a conceptual model of relationships to empirically understand how a learning culture enables firms to leverage critical cross-firm resources to engender lean. Additionally, the study investigates the mediating influences of partnership resources. Findings from the empirical analysis of survey data from top managers in manufacturing firms support the conventional wisdom relating supply chain collaboration to lean, and its contribution to enhance operational performance. The importance of learning orientation for mobilizing relational resources - essential ingredients for lean capabilities – is a highlight of the study. The results provide a framework for managers to understand the criticality of a learning culture in supply chains to exploit partnership resources to build market-responsive capabilities that give them the competitive edge. Along with the discussion of the implications, the study suggests future research directions.

Department

Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Original Publication Date

10-1-2019

DOI of published version

10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.04.012

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Language

en

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS