Supply risk mitigation: a multi-theoretical perspective

Due to the increasing level of supply risk, it is imperative to obtain a better understanding of the nature of risk which is a premise to developing well-grounded risk mitigation strategies. This paper examines how to mitigate supply risk enlightened by discussing the concept of risk in association of three closely related concepts which are uncertainty, variability and trust. The proposed three perspectives are supported and explained using four case studies comprising of two manufacturers based in Australia and four suppliers based in China. The study provides evidence that supply risk can be mitigated by high level of information and knowledge sharing as well as building trust, commitment and goal congruence in a buyer–supplier relationship. It offers theoretical and managerial implications.