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EN
Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes
Abstract
Humanitarian supply chains operate in high-uncertainty environments where speed and adaptability are critical, yet existing supply chain integration (SCI) models are primarily derived from commercial contexts. This creates a gap in understanding how integration affects performance in crisis operations.
This study investigates the effect of SCI on humanitarian supply chain performance, focusing specifically on lead time and flexibility as two core performance dimensions. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a survey of 360 United Nations supply chain staff across five operational regions, while qualitative insights were obtained from three in-depth executive interviews. Five integration constructs: beneficiary, supplier, government, partner, and internal integration , were operationalized and analyzed using regression and complementary qualitative analysis. All five integration constructs significantly influence supply chain performance. Beneficiary integration shows the strongest effect on both lead time and flexibility, while supplier, government, and partner integrations exert more limited effects. Regression analysis indicates SCI explains 66.7% of the variance in lead time, validating the proposed theoretical framework. The findings provide a context-specific theory of humanitarian SCI, demonstrating that integration strategies must be tailored to crisis conditions rather than replicated from commercial models. They also offer actionable guidance for humanitarian organizations to enhance responsiveness, adaptability, and stakeholder alignment during emergencies.
This research advances both theory and practice by establishing SCI as a pivotal driver of humanitarian supply chain effectiveness. While limitations include the single-case focus and cross-sectional design, the study lays a foundation for future longitudinal and multi-context research to further refine integration strategies in complex, rapidly changing humanitarian environments.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
This work was supported by Işık University, which provided the resources and facilities necessary to conduct this research.
Ethical Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with ethical standards and approved by the Ethics Committee of Işık University. All participants provided informed consent, and the research adhered to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Thanks
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Işık University for its continuous support and encouragement. Special thanks to Dr. Gamze for her valuable guidance and assistance throughout the study.
References
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- Bealt, J., Fernández Barrera, J. C., & Mansouri, S. A. (2016). Collaborative relationships between logistics service providers and humanitarian organizations during disaster relief operations. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 6(2), 118–144.
- Beamon, B. M. (1999). Measuring supply chain performance. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 19(3), 275–292.
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Policy and Administration (Other), Business Systems in Context (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
April 29, 2026
Submission Date
October 13, 2025
Acceptance Date
February 26, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 4 Number: 1
APA
Alaff, M., & Karayaz, G. (2026). Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes. Social Review of Technology and Change, 4(1), 22-43. https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC
AMA
1.Alaff M, Karayaz G. Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes. Social Review of Technology and Change. 2026;4(1):22-43. https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC
Chicago
Alaff, Monther, and Gamze Karayaz. 2026. “Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes”. Social Review of Technology and Change 4 (1): 22-43. https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC.
EndNote
Alaff M, Karayaz G (April 1, 2026) Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes. Social Review of Technology and Change 4 1 22–43.
IEEE
[1]M. Alaff and G. Karayaz, “Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes”, Social Review of Technology and Change, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 22–43, Apr. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC
ISNAD
Alaff, Monther - Karayaz, Gamze. “Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes”. Social Review of Technology and Change 4/1 (April 1, 2026): 22-43. https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC.
JAMA
1.Alaff M, Karayaz G. Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes. Social Review of Technology and Change. 2026;4:22–43.
MLA
Alaff, Monther, and Gamze Karayaz. “Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes”. Social Review of Technology and Change, vol. 4, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 22-43, https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC.
Vancouver
1.Monther Alaff, Gamze Karayaz. Does Supply Chain Integration Enhance Humanitarian Supply Chain Performance? An Empirical Investigation of Operational Outcomes. Social Review of Technology and Change [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 1;4(1):22-43. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA23UT46DC