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Understanding the evolution of flexible supply chain in the business-to-business sector: a resource-based theory perspective

Author

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  • Manisha Tiwari
  • David J. Bryde
  • Foteini Stavropoulou
  • Gunjan Malhotra

Abstract

Resource-based theory (RBT) is one of the theoretical lenses that have been used extensively to understand a firm’s competitive advantage by utilizing strategic resources and capabilities. When applied to Business-to-Business (B2B) supply chains, RBT emphasizes the importance of having a flexible and adaptable supply chain that can leverage a company’s internal strengths to meet customer needs effectively. By focusing on the resources specific to a particular company, a flexible B2B supply chain can be designed to meet customer demand efficiently and cost-effectively in a rapidly changing marketplace. Despite RBT's popularity as a theoretical lens, it has also faced criticism. To comprehensively understand these critiques and discover alternative views, we conducted a thorough analysis of relevant literature in the field of supply chain management. Although some of the criticisms were valid, we determined that the core message of RBT remains intact. However, we also acknowledge that a biased neoclassical economic rationality has constrained the RBT community. To overcome these limitations, the authors recommend further research into flexible B2B supply chains to uncover new opportunities for improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Manisha Tiwari & David J. Bryde & Foteini Stavropoulou & Gunjan Malhotra, 2024. "Understanding the evolution of flexible supply chain in the business-to-business sector: a resource-based theory perspective," International Studies of Management & Organization, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(4), pages 380-406, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:mimoxx:v:54:y:2024:i:4:p:380-406
    DOI: 10.1080/00208825.2024.2324245
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    Cited by:

    1. Han, Wucheng & Zhu, Weijie & Song, Zhaoli & Lu, Ruoyu, 2025. "Innovative resources driven artificial intelligence orientation: The moderating role of environmental and executives’ characteristics," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    2. Shahriar Hasan Ratul & Md. Ismail Hossain & H. M. Belal & Palash Saha & Md. Ashikur Rahman, 2026. "Navigating Sustainability through Flexible Hyperautomation and Reverse Logistics in the B2B Sector: Implications for the Electronics Industry," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 27(1), pages 99-121, March.
    3. Dubey, Rameshwar & Gunasekaran, Angappa & Papadopoulos, Thanos, 2024. "Benchmarking operations and supply chain management practices using Generative AI: Towards a theoretical framework," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    4. Mariana Trujillo‐Gallego & William Ariel Sarache Castro & Miguel Sellitto, 2025. "Unlocking Sustainability: A Hierarchical Approach to Environmental Dynamic Capabilities in Supply Chain Transformation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(7), pages 8516-8553, November.
    5. Chang, Ya-Ting & Lo, Huai-Wei & Lin, Sheng-Wei, 2025. "Analyzing the interrelationships of evaluation indicators in the open data services industry's efforts toward digital transformation: A novel group decision-making approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    6. Li, Mingxing & Appiah, Michael & Baffour Gyau, Emmanuel, 2025. "The dynamics of energy generation, consumption, and pricing on industrial growth in the SSA region; exploring the moderating effect of financial development and technological advancement," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    7. Pham Quang Huy & Vu Kien Phuc, 2025. "Insight into how social media platforms in building relational social commerce capability for green entrepreneurial innovation," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-32, December.
    8. Manxi Li & Gukseong Lee, 2025. "Supply Chain Management: The Impact of Shared Meaning, Inter-Organization Coordination, and Leadership," SAGE Open, , vol. 15(3), pages 21582440251, August.
    9. Çömez-Dolgan, Nagihan & Tanyeri-Günsür, Başak & Mai, Feng & Zhao, Xuying & Devaraj, Sarv, 2025. "Lean operations and firm resilience - contrasting effects of COVID-19 and economic recession," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    10. Wang, Shaofeng & Zhang, Hao, 2025. "Generative artificial intelligence and internationalization green innovation: Roles of supply chain innovations and AI regulation for SMEs," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    11. Muhammad Ali Aslam & Zhaolei Li & Mohammad Jaradat & Malik Shahzad Shabbir & Raul Adrain Lile & Hassan Nazir, 2026. "Revealing FMCG Success in Pakistan: The Nexus of Supply Chain Practices and Competitive Advantage," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 27(1), pages 9-36, February.

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