Towards Transformative Supply Chain Research and Practice: A Critical Systems Perspective

Gregory, Amanda; Atkins, Jonathan; Dwivedi, Ashish

Abstract

The argument that the supply chain discipline needed to make an epistemological break with functionalism in favour of a systems approach was made by Mears-Young and Jackson (1997) but it has largely been overlooked. This paper seeks to address this oversight by demonstrating what a systems (multiparadigm, multimethodological) approach involves and means for supply chain theory and practice: the adoption of a broad range of paradigmatic perspectives, the juxtaposition and interplay of different perspectives and the creation of opportunities for understanding and action that offer the potential for transformational insight and change. Such a systems approach is demonstrated through the employment of three contrasting perspectives (objective-positivist, subjective-interpretivist and radical-critical) to the case study of the supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the United Kingdom during the first year of the Covid pandemic. This case study is complex and multifaceted and demonstrates well the urgent practical need for a systems approach to supply chain theory and practice as each supply chain perspective offers only partial insight and understanding. In summary, this paper seeks to advance supply chain theory and practice by articulating what a systems approach to it involves.

Citation

Gregory, A., Atkins, J., & Dwivedi, A. (in press). Towards Transformative Supply Chain Research and Practice: A Critical Systems Perspective. Systems research and behavioral science, https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.3108

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 5, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Dec 26, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jan 9, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 9, 2025
• Journal: Systems Research and Behavioral Science
• Print ISSN: 1092-7026
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.3108
• Keywords: COVID-19; Critical systems practice; Critical systems thinking; Personal protective equipment; Supply chain
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/5001235