A study of supply chain integration in Thai automotive industry: a theoretical framework and measurement

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual framework and a scale development process, in order to address the reliability and validity in supply chain integration and environmental uncertainty constructs; in an effort to develop and revalidate scale metrics in different contexts. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were collected for a small pre‐test survey in the Thai automotive industry. The measurement scales were pre‐assessed using the Q‐sort method. In addition, a preliminary test for predictive validity was evaluated using correlation analysis. Findings This study established an explanatory model and a corresponding instrument to conduct future research in supply chain integration. Dimensions/constructs, including supply chain integration, environmental uncertainty, and firm competitive capability are operationally defined in terms of their scale development process. Practical implications This study will provide a measurement scale for supply chain integration and uncertainty constructs. This will allow researchers to be confident and bring new insights when exploring supply chain integration under differing operational conditions. Originality/value The findings address additional steps required towards improved methodological aspects in terms of how to prevalidate and develop a measurement scale in various constructs within alternative domains.