A meta-analysis assessment of adaptive and transformative approaches to supply chain resilience

Abstract

Amid rising global disruptions, including pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, and economic shocks, supply chain resilience has become a strategic imperative. Despite growing attention, limited synthesis exists on how resilience strategies affect supply chain performance under varying conditions. This study addresses that gap through a meta-analysis of 52 empirical studies comprising 236 independent samples and 22,955 observations. Two key strategies, Adaptive Resilience (AR), focused on rapid recovery, and Transformative Resilience (TR), centered on long-term structural adaptation, were examined concerning resilience antecedents, contextual moderators, and outcome metrics. AR was found to be more closely associated with short-term operational recovery, while TR showed stronger links to sustainability and innovation. When applied jointly, these strategies yielded significantly improved performance outcomes compared to their separate implementation. Supply chain complexity emerged as a critical moderating factor, shaping the effectiveness of each strategy based on network characteristics. This study contributes a comprehensive, evidence-based framework that links resilience strategies to their drivers and impacts. Practical implications are also offered by guiding managers on tailoring resilience investments according to the type of disruption and structural features of their supply chains. The findings support the design of more agile and robust supply chains capable of withstanding future global uncertainties.