A multi-faceted approach for leveraging AI and intellectual capital for enhanced supply chain decision-making

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of different types of intellectual capital (human, structural and relational) in the relationship between artificial intelligence-driven supply chain analytics capability (AI-SCAC) and various supply chain decision-making processes, specifically rational, bounded and tacit decision-making. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a quantitative survey strategy to collect the data. A total of 320 valid questionnaires were received from manufacturing companies. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) approach through SmartPLS software. Findings: The results indicate that human and structural capital significantly mediate the relationship between AI-SCAC and rational and bounded decision-making processes. However, structural capital does not mediate the relationship between AI-SCAC and the tacit decision-making process. Moreover, relational capital does not show a significant mediating effect on all of the decision-making processes. Notably, structural capital has the strongest impact on rational and bounded decision-making, while human capital plays a critical role across all three decision-making processes, including tacit decision-making. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the differentiated impact of intellectual capital components on various decision-making processes within the context of AI-SCAC. While previous studies have broadly acknowledged the role of intellectual capital in decision-making, this research provides more understanding of how specific types of intellectual capital interact with AI to influence distinct decision-making processes. Notably, the differential impact of structural capital on rational and bounded decision-making versus tacit decision-making highlights the need for organisations to adopt a more tailored approach in leveraging their intellectual capital.