How the dimensions of culture influence supply chain collaboration: an explanatory sequential mixed-methods investigation

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to demonstrate how integration is achieved in an explanatory sequential mixedmethods design by assessing the effect of collaborative cultural dimensions on supply chain collaboration
amongst firms in Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector. Specifically, the study examined how collectivism,
long-term orientation, power symmetry, as well as uncertainty avoidance influence supply chain collaboration.
Besides, it also demonstrates how integration is achieved in an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.
Design/methodology/approach – Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the study
employed a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis of quantitative data
(N 5 166), followed by a thematic analysis of eight semi-structured interviews to explain how and why the
dimensions of collaborative culture impact supply chain collaboration.
Findings – The quantitative findings suggest that three out of the four dimensions of culture significantly
predict supply chain collaboration. Integrating the quantitative and qualitative findings suggests convergence
between the results of the quantitative and qualitative phases of the study as the qualitative results compliment
the quantitative findings and offer more nuanced understanding of the cultural mechanisms responsible for
successful supply chain collaborations.
Practical implications – The findings provide managers in the downstream petroleum sector with insights
into how and why the dimensions of collaborative culture influence supply chain collaboration. These
managers should, therefore, build corporate cultures characterized with high levels of long-term orientation,
power symmetry and uncertainty avoidance.
Originality/value – Owing to the role of culture in successful supply chain collaborations, this study, through
a mixed-methods design, links the dimensions of collaborative culture with supply chain collaboration in the
downstream petroleum sector. Moreover, it demonstrates how integration and complementarity are achieved
at the study design, methods, as well as the interpretation and reporting levels of an explanatory sequential
mixed-methods design.