Port Supply Chains as Social Networks

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of social network theory in understanding the degree of coordination in port supply chains. Three port supply chains are used to illustrate that port supply chains are, in fact, social networks and that their success is strongly influenced by the level of coordination and cohesion in their networks. Of the three port supply chains in this study, those with higher degrees of cohesion and coordination tend to exhibit higher operational performance. While causation was not demonstrated, this paper provides the foundation and groundwork for further empirical study into the use of social network theory to study supply chain relationships and port supply chain integration