Purpose – This research aims to investigate how organisational and contextual factors affect supply chain
collaboration and how that, in turn, influences firms’ competitive advantage in the garment industry in the
context of Vietnam, a developing country.
Design/methodology/approach – Following a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were
conducted with senior managers who are involved in supply chain collaboration in twelve garment companies
in Vietnam. The data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo 12. Based on the literature and
interview findings, a research model underpinned by the relational view (RV) and institutional theories, with
organisational and contextual factors being the antecedents and competitive advantage as the outcome of
supply chain collaboration, was proposed.
Findings – The findings showed that organisational and contextual factors induce both internal, supplier and
customer supply chain collaboration. There is also a positive relationship between supply chain collaboration
and competitive advantage. Based on these findings, a strategy matrix for supply chain collaboration is also
put forward.
Originality/value – This is one of the first empirical attempts to investigate the role of organisational and
contextual factors as potential antecedents of supply chain collaboration and its effects on competitive
advantage in the garment industry. The research is expected to enrich both the literature and management
practices on supply chain collaboration in the context of developing countries.