How firm level responsiveness influences supply chain network resilience

Purpose Increasingly turbulent global markets coupled with the complexity of supply chain (SC) network operations have intensified the frequency and consequences of disruptions. An increased awareness of SC network disruption vulnerabilities and the complexity of responding to them has prompted a need to revisit how firms adjust their risk management toward tools and capabilities that develop more resilient SC networks. Design/methodology/approach Through a systematic literature review of 124 peer-reviewed articles focusing on SC resilience within SC networks, we explore how network-embedded responsiveness activities and environmental factors shape resilience across SC networks. Findings Our analysis reveals that activities such as process and structure adjustments at the firm level are foundational tools that influence resilience. Relationships play a key role in these activities that facilitate collaboration and the dissemination of best practices across firms. This contributes to a more responsive and resilient SC network. Practical implications The study contributes to the SC network literature and practice by illustrating how a combination of firm-level responsiveness adjustments fosters resilience at the network level. Furthermore, it offers managerial insights, helping to clarify the role managers play in developing key relationships with other stakeholders and designing systems that enable SC networks to persist, adapt and transform. Originality/value The findings motivate a novel conceptual framework and three propositions that shed light on how individual firm responsiveness activities influence network resilience through the dissemination of information and practices across the network.