Title: The promise of information sharing and the peril of information overload

Authors: Paul D. Larson, Jack D. Kulchitsky

Addresses: SCM Department, Transport Institute, University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business, 614 Drake Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V4, Canada. ' Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada

Abstract: This paper reports the results of a survey, including scale development and hypothesis testing, on supply chain information sharing. A review of the literature, supplemented by focus group sessions with supply chain practitioners, suggests that information sharing has a central role in Supply Chain Management (SCM). However, there is also a danger of sharing too much information, leading to information overload. The results position information sharing at the heart of SCM; information sharing is enabled by electronic communication media and supply chain systems. In turn, information sharing facilitates closer supply chain relationships. The paper concludes with implications of information sharing and information overload for supply chain practitioners and researchers, as well as an information overload research agenda.

Keywords: information overload; information sharing; supply chain management; supply chain information; SCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2008.017593

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2008 Vol.4 No.4, pp.423 - 436

Published online: 19 Mar 2008 *

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