Supply chain structure, relationship value, and contingencies: empirical insights based on structural contingency theory
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: While the concept of structure is well-defined in the organisational literature, its application to inter-firm supply chain (SC) relationships remains comparatively underdeveloped. This study aims to provide insight into how firms can structure and manage their SCs as integrated systems to maximise the relationship value in diverse business environments. Specifically, we investigate (i) how transactional and behavioural elements of SC structure impact supplier and third-party logistics (3PL) relationship value, and (ii) how external contingencies, such as opportunities and threats, moderate this relationship. Grounded in structural contingency theory (SCT), the study develops and empirically tests a framework using hierarchical regression analysis surveying European firms. The results reveal that transactional elements, such as formality and standardisation, primarily drive relationship value. Supplier opportunism can diminish relationship value while behavioural factors, such as trust, cannot (re)create it. Triads are resilient to external threats while remaining agile enough to leverage market and sustainable opportunities. This study extends structural contingency theory from the organisational to the supply chain system level. It clarifies SC structure as combining designed and emergent behavioural elements. Following a systems perspective, it shows that relationship value is an emergent property arising from the interaction of these structural elements with the external environment.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Ilias Vlachos, Anas Iftikhar
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7202023946