Reevaluating information sharing in supply chain management: a multi-method analysis of integration mechanisms in Brazilian firms

Purpose As supply chains confront major structural disruptions, effective information sharing has become essential to enhance coordination and resilience across partners who must respond quickly to volatile conditions. This study examines how firms can effectively integrate resources and processes within the upstream supply chain to achieve and sustain competitive advantages. In addition, it discusses the critical role of information sharing in enhancing upstream integration and leveraging firms' performance. Design/methodology/approach A survey was employed to gather information on research variables. A multi-method approach combining partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA) was used to analyze the data. The results were discussed in the light of contingency and resource-based theories. Findings Supplier integration plays an essential role in mediating internal integration to increase the focal firm's operational performance and achieve competitive advantages. Information sharing across the supply chain was found not to be a critical resource for the competitiveness of focal firms. Research limitations/implications This study addresses essential issues regarding competitive advantage in the upstream supply chain, but is limited to the Brazilian context. Future studies should address different organizations and cultural environments. Practical implications This study sheds light on which upstream supply chain resources are critical for improving operational performance, enabling practitioners to focus on these resources and the development levels they must address to sustain competitive advantages. Originality/value This study closes research gaps regarding the role of supplier integration and information-sharing resources across the supply chain. Combining sufficiency and necessity conditions analyses, it extends contingency and resource-based theories regarding these subjects.