Antecedents of Supply Chain Collaboration Guided by Sustainable Development Goals: A Comprehensive Framework

Objective: This study investigates how the three dimensions of social capital—cognitive, structural, and relational—affect various aspects of supply chain collaboration, including information sharing, decision synchronization, and incentive alignment. The primary aim is to understand the influence of these social capital dimensions on these collaboration aspects. Theoretical Framework: We developed a comprehensive framework that links the sub-dimensions of social capital—cognitive, structural, and relational—with three key aspects of supply chain collaboration. The framework was tested using SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Method: The findings indicate that each dimension of social capital affects supply chain collaboration differently. All dimensions significantly impact information sharing. Relational and structural capital are important for decision synchronization, while only cognitive capital significantly influences incentive alignment. Furthermore, relational capital facilitates incentive alignment and mediates the effects of other social capital dimensions on overall collaboration. Research Implications: The results provide valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners. They highlight the distinct roles of social capital dimensions in enhancing collaboration, which can help managers design effective strategies for long-term relationship building and overall supply chain benefit. Originality/Value: This study offers a detailed analysis of the three facets of social capital and their impact on supply chain collaboration, marking one of the first comprehensive examinations of these dimensions in this context. Its findings have the potential to advance both academic understanding and practical approaches in supply chain management, contributing to more effective collaborative practices.