Contingency theory “fit” as gestalt: An application to supply chain management

The research applies the “fit” as gestalt perspective to supply chain management. Constructed on clustering supply chain information technology and organizational structure variables, six archetypes are identified: (1) Simple, Low Performers; (2) Market Performers; (3) Average Players: Large and Old; (4) Internally Integrated Low Performers; (5) Masters of Efficiency: Technocratic, Complex, and Decentralized; and (6) Two-time Winners. The archetypes differ in terms of performance not only because of their unique supply chain information technology and organizational structure attributes, but also because of how the selected set of attributes “fits” the context of the firm.