Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 Consequences on Supply Chain Integration and Performance with the Mediating Role of Organizational Strategic Flexibilities (Case Study: Iranian Airlines)
Keywords:
COVID-19 consequences, supply chain integration, supply chain performance, strategic flexibilitiesAbstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of COVID-19 consequences on supply chain integration and supply chain performance, considering the mediating role of strategic flexibility in Iranian airline companies.
Methods and Materials: This applied, descriptive-correlational study examined employees of airline companies in Tehran as the statistical population (N = 3400). Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 240 participants was selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via a Likert-scale questionnaire whose reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.70. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and PLS software at both descriptive and inferential levels. Descriptive indicators such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were used, while structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis tested the research hypotheses. Additional indices such as CR, AVE, Q², SRMR, NIF, and GOF were used to evaluate model fit. The Sobel test was applied to assess the mediating role of strategic flexibility.
Findings: Results indicated that COVID-19 consequences significantly affected supply chain integration (β = 0.456, t = 10.100) and supply chain performance (β = 0.325, t = 10.222). COVID-19 also had a significant effect on strategic flexibility (β = 0.258, t = 7.455). Strategic flexibility significantly influenced supply chain integration (β = 0.459, t = 8.200) and supply chain performance (β = 0.369, t = 12.123). Sobel test results confirmed the mediating role of strategic flexibility, with indirect effects of 0.39 and 0.44, both with confidence intervals above zero. Model fit indices and R² values supported strong predictive power and high model adequacy.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that COVID-19 consequences significantly shape supply chain integration and performance, and strategic flexibility serves as a vital mediating mechanism that enhances organizational resilience and operational effectiveness within Iranian airline supply chains.
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