Understanding supply chain resilience through social capital

Abstract

This study aims to investigate network structure and the social capital it may nurture in building supply chain resilience. Specifically, this study explores how different dimensions of social capital facilitate the three major components of supply chain resilience: agility, adaptability, and alignment. A multiple case study approach has been adopted to investigate the role of network structure and social capital in facilitating supply chain resilience within food supply chains of two different South Asian regions. This context was selected as these regions are prone to regular natural disruptions, and these food supply chains also play a crucial role in the humanitarian relief process. Data suggests that social capital and the network structure play a key role in facilitating supply chain resilience against the vulnerabilities originating from natural disasters. This study provides the theoretical and practical insights that have been developed in social capital and network structure disciplines and their positive contribution to food supply chain resilience.