Paper-June2020 accepted.pdf (557.98 kB)
Ambiguity and its coping mechanisms in supply chains: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 07:16 authored by Saileshsingh Gunesse, Nachiappan SubramanianNachiappan SubramanianPurpose The first purpose of this paper is to situate and conceptualise ambiguity in the operations management (OM) literature, as connected to supply chain decision-making (SCDM). The second purpose is to study the role of ambiguity-coping mechanisms in that context. Design/methodology/approach This research uses the behavioural decision theory (BDT) to better embed ambiguity in a generic SCDM framework. The framework explicates both behavioural and non-behavioural antecedents of ambiguity and enables us to also ground the “coping” mechanisms as individual and organisational level strategies. Properties of the framework are illustrated through two “ambiguous” events – the 2011 Thai flood and Covid-19 pandemic. Findings Three key findings are documented. First, ambiguity is shown to distinctively affect supply chain decisions and having correspondence with specific coping mechanisms. Second, the conceptual framework shows how individual coping mechanisms can undermine rational-based organisational coping mechanisms, leading to “sub-optimal” (poor) supply chain decisions. Third, this study highlights the positive role of visibility but surprisingly organisational “experiential” learning is imperfect, due to the focus on “similar” past experience and what is known. Originality/value The paper is novel in two ways. First, it introduces ambiguity – an often neglected concept in operations management – into the supply chain lexicon, by developing a typology of ambiguity. Second, ambiguity-coping mechanisms are also introduced as both individual and organisational strategies. This enables the study to draw distinctive theoretical and practical implications.
Funding
Promoting High Value Manufacturing Education Partnership (PHVMEP); G2895; BRITISH COUNCIL
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
International Journal of Operations and Production ManagementISSN
0144-3577Publisher
EmeraldExternal DOI
Department affiliated with
- Management Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2020-06-15First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-07-28First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2020-06-15Usage metrics
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