The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model that includes drivers of supply chain management (SCM) adoption and execution identified in the literature, provide a set of measurement scales that operationalise constructs within this model, empirically verify a hierarchical order of antecedents that affects the adoption and execution of SCM, and assist management by providing a focus on those SCM conditions and processes that need to be prioritised to increase successful SCM adoption and execution.

The conceptual model is tested empirically through a survey of 174 senior supply chain managers representing the biggest organisations within a central European country.

Using structural equation modelling the hypothesised hierarchical order of three proposed antecedents are verified: ‘internal SCM conditions’ that affect ‘joint or external SCM conditions’ which in turn influences collaborative ‘SCM-related processes’. Firms that adopt these steps should enjoy a rigorous and appropriate road to the full execution of SCM.

The survey results reflect the views of large organisations in a countryspecific supply chain setting.

The findings provide a hierarchical focus for financial, personnel and management initiatives to increase integration within a supply chain and improve competitiveness.

The major contribution of this paper is that it provides empirical proof of the antecedents that affect the adoption and execution of SCM.