전자적 정보공유와 상대적 흡수능력이 공급망 성과에미치는 영향에 관한 연구- Downstream Supply Chain을 중심으로 -

Electronic information sharing (EIS) in supply channels as conceived and assessed in this paper is the next level in the electronic integration continuum beyond the already well-researched EDI domain. This paper empirically examines the determinants of EIS (i.e., demand characteristics, relationship characteristics, and inter-organizational IT infrastructure) and whether it has any impact on the supply channel performance. When examining the performance effects, relative absorptive capacity, organizational trust and their relationships with EIS are also investigated. The data required for this field study were collected from 94 managers/buyers responsible for supplier relationships in ten large retail organizations, headquartered in Korea. Our results show that task interdependence, product complexity, and inter-organizational IT infrastructure have significant relationships with EIS. In addition, relative absorptive capacity turns out to positively influence the supply channel performance both directly and indirectly through EIS. The results shed new lights on the mediating relationship of EIS between inter-organizational IT infrastructure and the supply channel performance. Contrary to our expectations, organizational trust is not significantly related to either EIS or the supply channel performance. A plausible explanation on this result is also included. An inference of practical value that emerges from our findings is that EIS should be managed to achieve higher supply channel performance. Future research implications are added.