Abstract
Orientation: Manufacturing supply chains in South Africa are susceptible to various internal
and external threats that continue to suppress their performance. Information is required
that can be used by firms in such environments to overcome the existing threats and improve
their supply chains.
Research purpose: This study sought to examine the relationship between supply chain
dynamism, information sharing and inter-organisational relationships and supply chain
performance in the manufacturing sector in South Africa.
Motivation for the study: There is a gap in literature on the linkage between supply chain
dynamism, information sharing and inter-organisational relationships and supply chain
performance in the South African manufacturing sector.
Research design, approach and method: Empirical data were collected from a purposive
sample of 340 supply management professionals recruited from 31 manufacturing firms based
in Gauteng Province. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling, which involved
a confirmatory factor analysis and hypotheses tests.
Main findings: The results indicate a significant positive relationship between supply chain
dynamism and both information sharing and inter-organisational relationships; between
information sharing and both inter-organisational relationships and supply chain performance;
and between inter-organisational relationships and supply chain performance.
Practical/managerial implications: Supply management professionals in the manufacturing
sector may use the results of this study as a tool in the diagnoses of supply chain performancerelated
problems, by checking for the proper alignment of the factors considered in the research.
Contribution/value-add: These results validate the importance of effective supply chain
management practices in shaping supply chain performance in manufacturing environments.
By monitoring and responding positively to the changes in key resources within manufacturing
supply chains, managers can be able to improve the sharing of information and develop
better relationships among trading partners, leading to superior performance of the entire
supply chain.