Reconceptualizing supply chain risk management capabilities: a theoretical framework and empirical validation

Purpose In recent years, supply chain risk management capabilities (SCRMC) has become integral to enhancing resilience, mitigating disruptions and ensuring consistent operations in supply chains. SCRMC has gained significant attention from researchers, leading to different fragmented conceptualizations. This study aims to reconcile this fragmentation by proposing a theory-driven reconceptualization of the construct and a multidimensional scale that captures SCRMC’s complex nature. Design/methodology/approach A two-step mixed methodology was adopted. First, drawing on existing supply chain risk management literature and expert discussions, scale items were generated and refined using the Q-sort method. Second, the scale was validated using survey data from 301 supply chain professionals across various industries in the USA. Findings The findings reveal three distinct yet interrelated dimensions – warning capability, robustness capability and resilience capability – which exhibit strong psychometric properties. The scale also demonstrates high levels of validity and reliability and improves predictive validity compared to previously developed scales. Originality/value This study offers a comprehensive and holistic understanding of SCRMC and serves as a reliable tool for measuring SCRMC, providing a foundation and analytical consistency for both practical application and future research.