Individual competencies in supply chain management from a human resource management perspective

Purpose This paper aims to achieve two main objectives: (1) to categorise the existing literature on individual competencies in supply chain management and (2) to identify research gaps to inform future research on individual competencies in supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review methodology was applied to collect and analyse data. A total of 92 relevant articles on individual competencies in supply chain management, published between 1991 and 2024, were reviewed. Content analysis was conducted to categorise research streams, establish a conceptual framework and lay the groundwork for future investigations. Findings The review identified three primary research streams: (1) the types of individual competencies, (2) the impacts of individual competencies on supply chain performance and (3) the development of individual competencies through education and training. A comprehensive framework is presented, showcasing the influence of individual competency areas on other dimensions of supply chain management. Additionally, five key recommendations for future research are provided: (1) exploring relationships between various competency types within the supply chain, (2) developing strategies to build and enhance competency groups, (3) examining the interplay between individual and organisational competencies, (4) fostering the development of individual competencies among employees and (5) creating an assessment framework for evaluating individual competencies. Research limitations/implications In conducting this SLR, we recognise certain limitations inherent in our methodology. Our analysis focuses solely on individual competencies, excluding related topics such as organisational competencies within the supply chain domain. While our findings provide valuable insights, they would benefit from further validation and expansion by independent researchers. Future studies could diversify the publication sets, select larger and more varied samples, utilise alternative databases or adopt different methodologies, such as qualitative case studies or qualitative comparative analysis, to deepen our understanding and explore connections across diverse research areas. Practical implications From a practical standpoint, the framework presented (see Figure 5) and the identified competency groups offer valuable guidance for human resource departments in developing future competency strategies, potentially leading to a competitive advantage. By leveraging this framework and focusing on the key competency groups as strategic assets, organisations can cultivate a more adaptable, skilled and innovative workforce. This approach is likely to improve supply chain management, enhance the ability to meet customer needs and contribute to overall firm performance. Originality/value This paper offers a structured synthesis of existing literature on individual competencies in supply chain management. By introducing a comprehensive framework, it provides fresh insights to enrich the field and identifies actionable directions for advancing research. In addition, this study extends the scope of prior systematic literature reviews and offers supplementary insights.