PhD Arkadiusz Kawa, prof. PUEB, together with researchers from the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business and the Catholic University of Portugal has published an article in the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management (Impact Factor: 5.5).
PhD Arkadiusz Kawa, prof. PUEB, together with researchers from the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (PhD Monika Hajdas, Prof. WUEB; PhD Joanna Radomska, prof. WUEB; Prof. Patrycja Klimas) and the Catholic University of Portugal (Prof. Susana C. Silva), has published an article entitled “Channel integration puzzle: internal obstacles, industry drivers and omnichannel capabilities” in the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management (Impact Factor: 5.5).
The article examines the multifaceted conditions shaping channel integration in omnichannel organisations, with particular emphasis on internal operational–strategic barriers and external industry-specific drivers. Using data collected from 412 firms operating across more than 20 sectors, the authors demonstrate that the level of channel integration is significantly constrained by operational inefficiencies and a lack of strategic and cultural coherence within organisations. At the same time, the study confirms that market-related characteristics (such as competitors’ advancement in omnichannel practices, customers’ familiarity with cross-channel solutions, and regulatory and market heterogeneity in highly internationalised industries) constitute important determinants that may either facilitate or impede integration efforts.
The authors propose and empirically validate a comprehensive theoretical model that captures the relationships between internal obstacles, industry drivers, and organisational omnichannel capabilities. The findings show that well-developed omnichannel capabilities mitigate the negative impact of internal barriers, although they do not moderate the influence of external industry factors. Importantly, the study provides robust evidence that higher levels of channel integration enhance organisational performance across short-term, long-term, and comparative dimensions.
The full article is available in open access: https://www.emerald.com/ijrdm/article/53/13/200/1313296