Big data analytics capability and supply chain: a perspective of socio-technical theory

Leveraging big data analytics (BDA) capability is crucial for organizations to enhance competitive advantages. However, the mechanisms through BDA capability to achieve a competitive advantage from technical, social, and integrated perspectives remain unexplored. To address this problem, we conducted a mixed-method from the perspective of socio-technical theory. First, we collected three-round survey data from managers working in 316 global organizations in the logistics industry. We find four mediation mechanisms. Two mediation mechanisms operate in independent subsystems: (1) BDA personnel expertise capability affects supply chain relationship quality in social subsystems, and (2) BDA technology capability affects information system quality in technical subsystems. Interestingly, we find two mechanisms work in an integrated system: (1) Information system quality and supply chain relationship performance serially mediate the relationship between personnel expertise capability and competitive advantage, and (2) Supply chain relationship quality and supply chain performance serially mediate the relationship between technology capability and competitive advantage. Quantitative analysis results support the hypothesis and show that the mediation mechanism in independent technical subsystem contributes most to competitive advantage. To validate it and get further insights, we conducted qualitative research. Interview data from 67 firms yielded a dataset of 490,653 words. Qualitative analysis shows that a firm's strategy should be based on social alignment and technical synergy among supply chain members for competitive advantage. Firms choose strategies according to corresponding environments. Our research enhances theoretical understanding, provides management insights, and highlights possible social benefits.