Performance, integration and dynamic capabilities in supply chains: an interpretive investigation of their relationships

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate and provide in-depth understanding of the relationships between performance, integration and dynamic capabilities in the supply chain domain. The motivation of the study was that their combined relationships have not been explored, although they are closely related. Design/methodology/approach Using multiple-case study research, data were gathered from practitioners in three distinct supply chains, achieving variation and diversity of cases. Several key grounded theory coding techniques and features were drawn upon for data coding, complementing the interpretive research. Findings Sustainable performance is a trajectory – a trend believed to be a change catalyst in contemporary supply chain performance management and managing this requires a focused approach to developing integration and dynamic capabilities. The findings also revealed a cyclical approach to achieving robust supply chain performance rather than a purely linear view. Performance was found to depend upon input rather than output, informing the development of integration and dynamic capabilities. Research limitations/implications Although the research is theoretically substantiated, the relationships of the phenomena can be tested to achieve statistical generalisation. Practical implications The research provides insights for managers to improve sustainable supply chain performance using targeted integrative efforts while considering a special form of capability. This helps firms capitalise on efficiency while driving innovation, excelling in a changing business environment via an empirically grounded yet practitioner-friendly model. Originality/value An emerging conceptual framework was developed, contributing to an extension of a middle-range theory. Using explanatory research to uncover the depth and richness of the phenomena under investigation is a novel approach, more common in quantitative studies.