Blockchain and agency theory in supply chain management

Maximiliano Jeanneret Medina (), Cédric Baudet () and Jean-Fabrice Lebraty

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Abstract: This paper aims to explore how blockchain technologies can change trust relationships between actors in supply chains. To do so, we conducted a multiple case study through the lens of agency theory. Three swiss companies carrying out a blockchain project for their supply chain have been analyzed by semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Two significant findings of the impact on principal-agent relationships are stressed. First, blockchain technologies can reduce the asymmetry of information, increase the control of agents, and consequently minimize the trust of the principal towards the agents. Second and paradoxically, the control mechanisms inherent to these technologies can decrease the agent's trust in the principal. Thus, questioning trust is necessary both as an antecedent and an unexpected consequence when adopting blockchain technologies in supply chains.

Keywords: supply chain management; blockchain technologies; agency theory; adoption; trust (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-06-21
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Published in 18th conference of ACIEK, Jun 2023, Madrid, Spain

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-04541492

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