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Theoretical perspectives on information sharing in supply chains: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>2014
<mark>Journal</mark>Supply Chain Management
Issue number5-6
Volume19
Number of pages17
Pages (from-to)609-625
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Purpose
To explore what theoretical lenses have been used to analyze and understand information sharing in supply chains. We elaborate on the predominant theories and discuss how they can be integrated to research different aspects of information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach
We carried out a structured literature review by using a combination of selected keywords to search for peer-reviewed articles in ten journals.

Findings
The findings suggest that four out of ten reviewed articles explicitly apply one or more theoretical lenses. The predominant theories used include transaction cost economics, contingency theory, resource based view, resource dependency theory and relational governance theories such as the relational view and social exchange theory.

Research limitations/implications
These theories can be applied to analyze different aspects of information sharing. By using the theories in a complementary way it is possible to increase our understanding of information sharing between companies related to: why and what information to share with whom, how to share and the impact of antecedents, barriers and drivers.

Practical implications
Our results highlight the importance of tailoring information sharing structures and mechanisms to the context of the transaction and the business relationship.

Originality/value
This paper addresses how theoretical perspectives inform empirical research on information sharing in supply chains. It puts forward an integrative conceptual framework based on cross-disciplinary theories and makes specific suggestions for future empirical research in this area.