Does company performance differ by level of supply chain integration?

Purpose Despite extensive research on supply chain integration (SCI), practical applications remain limited. This study aims to examine SCI and identify real gaps in performance in Korean export firms. Design/methodology/approach A total of 104 questionnaires were analyzed. The reliability and validity of the collected data were verified using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis. The relationships between variables were examined using correlation analysis, and hypotheses were tested using cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis. Findings The results reveal gaps in the cost and quality performance between SCI levels. Customer integration proved more important than supplier integration in achieving cost performance. Additionally, higher SCI contributes to improved quality performance, whereas lower SCI results in diminished quality performance. Finally, the gaps in quality performance are more pronounced than those in cost performance. Originality/value This study’s originality lies in its practical application to the theoretical implications of SCI. Managers of firms with low SCI aiming to improve cost performance should maintain a moderate level of supplier integration and focus on achieving high customer integration. Those aiming to enhance quality performance should prioritize both supplier and customer integration.