Cross-Functional Integration in the Supply Chain: Construct Development and the Impact of Workplace Behaviors

Cross-functional integration (CFI) is central to supply chain theory and practice. However, researchers have yet to settled on a consistent definition or measure of CFI, creating confusion over its conceptual content and making it difficult to validate given operationalizations. In addition, researchers have only recently begun to explore the impact of workplace behaviors on CFI and supply chain performance. The two studies in this dissertation seek to contribute to the supply chain literature in both of these areas. Study 1 develops a comprehensive definition and valid measure of CFI based on a systematic process of construct development. Study 2 employs the newly developed construct to investigate the relationships among organizational design, workplace behaviors, CFI, and supply chain performance. Overall, this dissertation seeks to enhance the rigor and relevance of CFI research by (1) offering a precise definition and measure of the CFI phenomenon and (2) establishing its relationship to variables, such as workplace behaviors, that are within the control of most supply chain managers.