The embedment of social media in small business supply network management

Abstract

<p>In recent years, research trends have focused on analyzing supply chain management from the perspective of social networks in small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) (Borgatti & Li, 2009). In supply chain management, social networks are helpful to build relationships among members and to identify risks in supply chain activities (Cruz & Liu, 2011). Since social media may have its greatest and most natural application on the soft side (i.e., people) of supply chain management, the surge of social media could spur communication and information-sharing among supply-chain participants and, therefore, contribute to firms’ supply chain relationship development (O’Leary, 2011).</p>