Effect of information sharing in supply chains: understanding the roles of supply chain visibility, agility, collaboration on supply chain performance

Purpose Exploring ways to acquire, sustain and improve competitive positions in supply chains through information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility have been essential for scholars and practitioners. Basing on the relational view, resource based view and the extended resource based view, this study assesses the critical role of information sharing in supply chains through emphasizing its effect on supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and supply chain performance. Particularly, the study proposes that information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility collectively have crucial direct and indirect influences on supply chain performance which lead to superior gains, competitiveness and flexibility. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey research design, a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in making data analysis and interpretations due to its suitability for predictive research models. Findings The results indicate information sharing positively and significantly influenced supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Supply chain visibility presented significant effects on collaboration, agility and performance, while supply chain collaboration and agility had significant impact on supply chain performance. The study findings connote that information sharing is key to enhancing competitive gains and superior supply chain performance. Originality/value The study is among the few to probe on how information sharing as a variable interacts with supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Although, information sharing has received a lot of attention in supply chains, this study is among the first to capture the study variables in a single model and thus, exposes the vital need for information sharing in improving supply chain performance seeing that it ensured significant and robust impacts on the study variables.

Automated summary

This study emphasizes the critical role of information sharing in enhancing competitive positions in supply chains through supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility, and performance. The research findings highlight the significant impact of information sharing on various aspects of supply chain effectiveness, underscoring the importance of collaborative relationships and agile practices in achieving superior supply chain performance. This study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the essential need for information sharing in improving supply chain performance and competitiveness.