The vital role of agility in linking social media usage to operational resilience during supply chain disruptions

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate how social media usage affects operational resilience in supply chains facing disruptions. Specifically, this study explores the role of supply chain agility as a mediator in this relationship. By clarifying how social media enhances agility, which subsequently improves operational resilience, this research provides valuable insights for businesses navigating challenging supply chain environments.

Design/methodology/approach Using 281 samples collected from Chinese firms, the regression analysis and the PROCESS macro model are applied to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings The results of this study indicate that firms’ use of social media directly enhances their operational resilience and also indirectly does so by fostering agility. What is particularly noteworthy is that the indirect effect of social media usage on operational performance through agility is more pronounced in disruptive supply chain environments.

Originality/value This study contributes to the resilience literature in operations and supply chain management by using clear and robust methodologies, specifically mediation and moderated mediation analyses using the PROCESS macro. This approach reveals how social media usage enhances supply chain agility, which subsequently improves operational resilience during disruptions. By providing empirical evidence for these relationships, this research offers practical insights for firms on how to effectively use social media to navigate supply chain challenges.