Managing exogenous and endogenous risks in Australia’s agricultural supply chains

Previous research suggests that collaboration among supply chain actors can help mitigate uncertainties and risks. However, little attention has been paid to risks which occur within the chain collaboration itself. This study examines how supply chain actors’ agency contributes to effective risk management in agricultural supply chain collaboration (ASCC). Data were obtained from a multi-stakeholder workshop discussion focused on ASCC in regional Australia. An analysis of the stakeholders’ positions suggests that internal agency (single chain member’s autonomy), collaborative agency (shared goals and interests), and integral agency (connection with internal and external chain entities) performed by chain actors are critical to ensure that the supply chain’s risk management plans are put into action. Implications for managing collaboration risks associated with each form of the agency are identified, both for supply chains in general as well as for agricultural supply chains in particular.