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The Quest for Competitive Advantage in Global Supply Chains: The Role of Interorganizational Learning

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  • Ila Manuj
  • Ayman Omar
  • Atefeh Yazdanparast

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review literature on interorganizational learning (IOL) and related constructs systematically to develop a theoretical model of IOL. An extensive and systematic literature review was undertaken in major logistics, supply chain, operations, and strategic management journals to identify theories in which a model of IOL could be grounded and to document major relationships related to the concepts of organizational learning and IOL. Using resource‐based view, relational view, and knowledge‐based view as the theoretical foundations, a conceptual model depicting IOL as a source of a competitive advantage was developed. The proposed theoretical framework suggests IOL can be used to develop capabilities such as innovation and flexibility that, in turn, lead to higher levels of logistics performance and contribute to a firm's competitive advantage. Supply chain orientation is an important antecedent to IOL, and cultural distance is an important moderator of IOL. This article contributes to the body of knowledge on IOL by positioning IOL within the framework of received theories and constructs. Implications for managers and several directions for future research are also identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Ila Manuj & Ayman Omar & Atefeh Yazdanparast, 2013. "The Quest for Competitive Advantage in Global Supply Chains: The Role of Interorganizational Learning," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 52(4), pages 463-492, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:transj:v:52:y:2013:i:4:p:463-492
    DOI: 10.5325/transportationj.52.4.0463
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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias Schoenherr, 2018. "Leveraging Suppliers for Product Innovation Performance: The Moderating Role of Intellectual Capital," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 57(4), pages 365-398, November.
    2. Ulrich Schmelzle & Wendy L. Tate, 2017. "Integrating External Knowledge: Building a Conceptual Framework of Innovation Sourcing," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 56(4), pages 477-512, October.
    3. Michael J. Maloni & Christina R. Scherrer & John Mascaritolo, 2016. "Attracting Students to the Field of Logistics, Part 2," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 55(4), pages 442-468, October.
    4. William J. Rose & John E. Bell & Chad W. Autry & Christopher R. Cherry, 2017. "Urban Logistics: Establishing Key Concepts and Building a Conceptual Framework for Future Research," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 56(4), pages 357-394, October.
    5. Pamela S. Donovan & Ila Manuj, 2015. "A Comprehensive Theoretical Model of the Complex Strategic Demand Management Process," Transportation Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 54(2), pages 213-239, April.

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