A Relational Framework for Collaboration in Temporal Supply Chain Contexts

The present research investigates the relevance of the relational view enablers and barriers in temporal supply chain contexts. Applying a multiple case study approach situated in industrial projects environment in Italy, this paper develops a relational framework for supplier horizontal collaboration. The findings reveal that, in temporal contexts, the most adopted enabler to co-generate competitive advantage is investing in partnership-exclusive assets whilst other enablers have less importance. Asset interconnectedness and resource indivisibility are two barriers found to be insignificant to co-generation of competitive advantage in temporal contexts, whilst partner scarcity and governance institutional environment can greatly deter horizontal collaboration efforts.