Interdisciplinary Research in SCM: Through the Lens of the Behavioral Theory of the Firm

AuthorNada R. Sanders,Brian S. Fugate,Zach G. Zacharia
Published date01 June 2016
Date01 June 2016
DOIhttp://doi.org/10.1111/jbl.12129
Interdisciplinary Research in SCM: Through the Lens of the
Behavioral Theory of the Firm
Nada R. Sanders
1
, Brian S. Fugate
2
, and Zach G. Zacharia
3
1
Northeastern University
2
University of Arkansas
3
Lehigh University
To accelerate research discoveriesthose required to address paramount challenges facing business todayresearchers from diverse disci-
plines must work together. Interdisciplinary research (IDR) is a research that involves bringing together perspectives from two or more dis-
ciplines in an integrative manner to address complex and multifaceted supply chain management (SCM) problems. IDR is needed to address
contemporary business challenges. We look at SCM research through the lens of the Behavioral Theory of the Firm (BTF) drawing parallels in
research evolution and noting similar antecedents in theoretical development. We point to the advances BTF has offered to organizational theory
built on IDR and consider the possibilities for SCM. We make a case for methodological diversity in supporting this research, further parallel-
ing lessons from BTF. Last, we describe the state of IDR in SCM today, discuss the objective of this special issue, and showcase the ve
contributing papers.
Keywords: interdisciplinary research; supply chain management; Behavioral Theory of the Firm
THE INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPERATIVE
The global competitive landscape of contemporary supply chain
management (SCM) is vastly more complex than that of just a
few years ago. Companies are grappling with broad and multi-
faceted supply chain issues, such as global value creation and
delivery, health care services delivery, sustainability initiatives
that drive environmental, social, as well as economic improve-
ments, and capturing market opportunities in emerging markets
through improved food distribution networks. Even routine SCM
issues have become complex given the breadth of intertwined
issues that must be considered. Consider an example such as
Seven-Eleven Japan, a company managing one the largest conve-
nience store networks in the world (Caro and Mart
ınez-de-
Alb
eniz 2014). The company has a strategy to compete on fresh-
ness of assortment at the store level targeting its professional
customers. Every aspect of assortments at hundreds of stores
timing, volume, attractiveness of display to target customers, and
deliveriesis optimized based on data and coordination with dis-
tributors and suppliers, and customized to local tastes. Success-
fully managing this complex global network integrates strategy,
marketing, international business, information technology, opera-
tions, sourcing, and logistics. Seven-Elevens challenge exempli-
es the complex realities of todays SCM, which are increasingly
more multifaceted with decisions that cut across many disci-
plines.
To remain relevant SCM research needs to address these cur-
rent and emerging challenges in meaningful ways that answer
true business problems rather than purely theoretical concepts.
Scholars (Fawcett and Waller 2011b; Sanders and Wagner 2011)
recommend that research begin addressing the full complexities
associated with current supply chain phenomena in order to
remain relevant. They emphasize that meaningful research needs
to include alternative perspectives that view the phenomena from
different lenses. Only this will enable making signicant
advances in these important research problem areas.
Achieving this goal, however, is difcult, as it requires holistic
and comprehensive solutions. By contrast, current SCM research
is largely discipline focused and, as a result, its ability to address
these challenges is limited. Individual disciplines such as opera-
tions, logistics, supply management, marketing, and information
systems tend to address narrowly selected SCM problems with
limited cross-referencing. This siloed-approach has hurt the abil-
ity for research to address the truly pressing problems faced by
todays global supply chains.
Consider an example of designing and managing a global sup-
ply chain. Theoretically it may not seem much different than
managing a regional supply chain, focusing on scale as the key
difference. A single lens perspective may develop research that
designs optimal network structures to maximize market coverage
and optimize location and capacity of facilities. However, such a
solution does not address many of the realities that complicate
this problem. Realistic solutions have to consider diversity of
global markets and product expectations, challenges of trans-
portation costs and international regulations, political risks and
potential disruptions, food safety and security, social impact, as
well as protectionist laws and trade barriers (Lee and Lee 2007).
These are realities that companies deal with and must consider
when managing their global supply chain networks. Broad and
interdisciplinary perspectives are needed for SCM research to
offer meaningful solutions.
True interdisciplinary research (IDR) is research that involves
bringing together perspectives from two or more disciplines in
an integrative manner (Sanders et al. 2013). IDR enables broader
and more nuanced perspectives to research problems as it draws
from different types of expertise. It offers greater insights into a
Corresponding author:
Zach G. Zacharia, Associate Professor of Management, College of
Business and Economics, 621 Taylor St., Lehigh University, Bethle-
hem, PA 18015, USA; E-mail: zgz208@lehigh.edu
Journal of Business Logistics, 2016, 37(2): 107112 doi: 10.1111/jbl.12129
© Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals

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