Paper #91

From Conceptual Promise to Operational Reality: Supply Chain Professionals' Perspectives on Blockchain Dispute Resolution

Marianna Riabova

Presenting author: Marianna Riabova

Session: O01

Abstract

Supply chain disputes constitute a major operational challenge for modern organizations because of the increasing complexity, globalization and interdependence of supply networks. Blockchain-based dispute resolution has been conceptually presented as a promising solution able to improve transparency, traceability, trust and automation. However, empirical evidence regarding managerial perceptions and organizational readiness remains limited. This paper addresses this gap through 19 semi-structured interviews with supply chain professionals. The findings show that adoption of blockchain-based dispute resolution remains extremely limited. Supply Chain managers, however, recognize its potential for standardized data-intensive disputes, especially billing, freight audit and delivery verification, but underline technological, legal, organizational and relational barriers. The paper argues that hybrid human-centered mechanisms are more realistic than fully autonomous blockchain arbitration in the short term.