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Supply Chain Management and the Challenge of Organizational Complexity — Methodological Considerations

In: Research Methodologies in Supply Chain Management

Author

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  • Stig Johannessen

    (University College of Nord-Tröndelag (HINT))

Abstract

Summary The dominating organizational perspectives within supply chain management (SCM) are firmly based in a methodological position of holistic systems thinking. From this perspective, it is argued that activities in organizations are best understood and developed when seen as holistic systems, where the various subsystems and processes are seen to interact and constitute a whole. However, holistic systems thinking fails to provide convincing explanations for the change phenomena many people experience in logistics-oriented organizations. Recent organizational complexity research challenges the systems perspective and argues from an ontological position of radical process thinking. Organizational activity is described in terms of processes of local social interaction, creating further interaction and patterns of action with global effects. The causes and explanations are to be found in the experience of these processes and not in some kind of system. There are profound implications from this shift in methodological orientation for organizational research in SCM.

Suggested Citation

  • Stig Johannessen, 2005. "Supply Chain Management and the Challenge of Organizational Complexity — Methodological Considerations," Springer Books, in: Herbert Kotzab & Stefan Seuring & Martin Müller & Gerald Reiner (ed.), Research Methodologies in Supply Chain Management, pages 59-73, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-7908-1636-5_5
    DOI: 10.1007/3-7908-1636-1_5
    as

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