Blockchain technology (BCT) has recently attracted interest from academics and practitioners. However,
little is known about the benefits and impact of BCT on the tea supply chain and its sustainable
performance. To bridge this gap, this study extends the resource-based view (RBV) and network theory
(NT) by integrating BCT into the ...
Blockchain technology (BCT) has recently attracted interest from academics and practitioners. However,
little is known about the benefits and impact of BCT on the tea supply chain and its sustainable
performance. To bridge this gap, this study extends the resource-based view (RBV) and network theory
(NT) by integrating BCT into the tea supply chain. We develop a conceptual model of a BCT-driven tea
supply chain, which we analyse using a partial least squares regression-based structural equation
modelling method with data collected from 305 experts in India. The findings show that the use of BCT
has a significant positive effect on the tea supply chain; in particular, transparency and reliability are
shown as the sustainable performance parameters. The implementation of BCT is a progressive paradigm
shift that encourages actors to change their attitudes and become more competent in the tea sector. This
study is the first report on integrating BCT into supply chains, contributing to the scant literature on this
subject. Furthermore, our conceptual framework could help develop a more sustainable supply chain for
the global tea industry.
