Dyadic Information Morphing: A Process Theory of Interorganizational Meaning Transformation in Sustainable Supply Chain Management Initiatives

ABSTRACT Supply chains rely on dyadic information exchange between partners to facilitate coordination, problem‐solving, and innovation, yet information asymmetry remains a pernicious problem and one that is chronic in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) initiatives. Conventional notions of information asymmetry in the supply chain literature are excessively simplistic, which means we do not currently have an in‐depth explanation of how, despite the best intentions of supply chain members, information asymmetry manifests through dyadic information exchange processes. Drawing on three SSCM initiative cases conducted between June 2019 and March 2020 involving 47 interviews, six site visits, and document analyses, this study develops a process view of dyadic information asymmetry. The study unpacks the case chronologies of critical events to highlight how information asymmetries emerge in SSCM initiatives. The study introduces the concept of “dyadic information morphing,” comprising message focusing, message alteration, and message decontextualization, as a theoretical explanation of information asymmetry emergence. For managers, the study offers guidance on dealing with dyadic information morphing. From a societal perspective, the study highlights the implications of dyadic information morphing for global sustainability.