Innovativeness on supply chain integration and performance of construction firms in ghana investigating the moderating role of institutional pressures

This research investigates the complex interactions among innovation, SC integration, institutional pressures, and SC performance in the burgeoning Ghanaian construction industry. Specifically, it aims to: 1) Examine the relationship between SC Innovativeness and SC Performance, 2) Assess the mediating role of SC Integration in the relationship between SC v Innovativeness and SC Performance, and 3) Evaluate the moderating effect of Institutional Pressures on the relationship between SC Integration and SC Performance. A quantitative research approach was employed, focusing on Ghana's construction sector. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 400 respondents from 100 construction firms. Statistical analyses, including mediation and moderation tests, were conducted using SPSS version 25. This study makes significant contributions to existing knowledge. Firstly, it affirms that Supply Chain Innovativeness (SCI) positively influences Supply Chain Performance (SCP) in the construction sector, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches in enhancing SCP. Secondly, it establishes the mediating role of Supply Chain Integration (SCI) in the relationship between SCI and SCP, underscoring the significance of integration as a catalyst for improving SCP. Thirdly, it demonstrates the moderating effect of Institutional Pressures (IP) on the association between Supply Chain Integration (SCI) and Supply Chain Performance (SCP), emphasizing the nuanced dynamics of external and internal pressures in shaping integration practices. The findings have several implications. Construction firms in Ghana should prioritize fostering a culture of innovation within their supply chain operations to enhance performance. Sustainability should be seamlessly integrated into supply chain practices, considering its impact on long-term competitiveness and environmental aspects. Firms should strategically embrace supply chain integration with suppliers, customers, and internal functions. Furthermore, firms must navigate and respond to institutional pressures strategically, considering coercive, mimetic, and normative influences. Policymakers in Ghana should also consider the role of institutional pressures in shaping supply chain integration and performance, thereby promoting collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices within the construction sector. This research enriches supply chain literature, offering valuable insights for industry practitioners and policymakers. It provides actionable knowledge to enhance supply chain management practices, ultimately fostering a more competitive construction sector in Ghana. The incorporation of sustainability metrics and exploration of innovation's impact on supply chain integration elevate the scholarly discourse on supply chain performance. Future research should expand the sample size and involve supply chain partner firms for a more comprehensive understanding of supply chain integration dynamics. Additionally, exploring additional moderating variables can deepen our understanding of these intricate dynamics in the construction industry. In conclusion, this study advances our understanding of the multifaceted interactions within supply chain dynamics, emphasizing the pivotal roles played by innovation, integration, and institutional pressures. Its implications span academia, industry, and policy circles, collectively contributing to the optimization of supply chain management practices in the construction domain of Ghana.

Source: KNUST