Systems thinking ability for supply chain management

Purpose In this study, an attempt is made to explore how individual systems thinking ability impacts on the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a range of different research methods including surveys, tests, and simulations. Findings The results showed that individual systems thinking ability greatly influences the practice of supply chain management. Originality/value This study suggests that the rationality of managers in the decision‐making process is good – for the supply chain. To improve the supply chain efficiency with a more realistic solution, inventory and production managers have to make decisions with the systems' thinking ability and the consistency.