Resilient Supply Chains Amid Uncertainty: Do Agility, Adaptability, and Alignment Mitigate the Effects of Major Disruptions?

Abstract

Global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions, underscoring the importance of effective resilience strategies. This study examines how agility, adaptability, and alignment (AAA capabilities) mitigate the negative impacts of major disruptions on corporate performance and influence capability enhancement during recovery. Using a longitudinal survey conducted across two phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, we find that agility significantly enhances resilience in conditions of high demand uncertainty, whereas adaptability is particularly effective under high supply uncertainty. Conversely, alignment demonstrates limited effectiveness during acute disruptions but remains critical for post-disruption collaboration and recovery. Interestingly, firms often respond to severe disruptions by broadly investing in all three capabilities, potentially overlooking their distinct, context-specific advantages. This study advances supply chain resilience theory by clarifying the contingent roles of AAA capabilities, guiding managers in strategically prioritizing resilience investments based on specific disruption scenarios and environmental uncertainties.