A survey of business network integration: implications for quality and productivity performance

The increasing levels of globalisation have introduced complexities into organisations that require a focus on integrating business networks. Business network integration is critical not only as a result of current competitive challenges but also due to business disruptions created by natural and man‐made disasters. Network relationships, productivity, and risk management are key aspects of integrating networks and although supply chain integration literature has touched this topic, these issues deserve further review. The objective of this paper is to provide a research model based on literature review of three theory streams: business network theory; business process redesign theory; and supply chain risk management theory. We present a research model which defines the drivers, practices and outcomes of business network integration based on this framework. We frame propositions to clarify the interrelationships of these theory streams and present theoretical and managerial implications for quality and productivity performance.