Three essays on supply network architecture: A network multiplexity approach

This dissertation consists of three essays. The first essay explores the existence of network multiplexity in a supply network context and its association with supply network properties. The primary data collected from a survey of 153 directed valued supply networks at the component level is analyzed to find quantitative and statistically significant evidence on the existence of supply network multiplexity. Empirical results confirm that different types of supply network ties across multiple tiers of supply chain partners shape different supply network architectures. This study further explores the "hidden" dynamics between socio-centric, social network analysis indices used for characterizing multiplex supply networks.;The second essay addresses the unresolved question of the supply network antecedents in a directed valued network setting. Specifically, anchoring on strategic network perspective, it takes into account two major strategic intents (i.e. cost leadership and market responsiveness) of an OEM. Empirical findings based on a network multiplexity approach suggest that a supply network should be viewed as a consciously and purposely designed systematic outcome in accordance with the OEM's strategic goal(s). As a result, this essay attempts to address the theoretical and empirical gap of supply network research by shedding light on the hereto unaddressed strategic antecedents of different supply network architectures.;Extending network competence perspective to the context of supply network, the third essay examines the impact of key indices quantifying supply network architecture on supply chain performance of an OEM with consideration of the contingent effects of OEM intervention in its immediate suppliers' sourcing decisions. Depending on a key premise underlying network strategy that a firm's inimitable and non-substitutable resources lie outside its boundaries, this essay aims to shed lights on the study of supply network, and consequently, to offer a supply network competence perspective. Each essay of this dissertation research is concluded with academic and managerial implications for supply network management.