The impact of supply chain integration on responsiveness: The moderating effect of using an international supplier network

This study reveals that in supply networks both external and internal integration practices have a significant and positive impact on responsiveness. The use of an international supplier network acts as a contingency factor on the relationship between external integration practices and responsiveness, as in an international context the effect on performance is amplified. Conversely, the impact of internal integration on responsiveness is not moderated by the use of international suppliers. These evidences suggest managers how to properly tune the level of adoption of integration practices according to the degree of supplier network internationalization.

► Supply chain integration is beneficial to improve firm’s responsiveness. ► Both external and internal integration improve firms’ responsiveness. ► International suppliers positively moderates the impact of EI on responsiveness. ► International suppliers does not moderate the impact of II on responsiveness. ► The study contributes to the growing contingency research stream in SCM.