Purpose

This conceptual paper compares the most common models within resilient supply chains in the commercial setting with the phase model used in humanitarian logistics.

Theoretical puzzle

Commercial supply chain literature examines resilience, focusing on system responses to external shocks (Wieland et al., 2023). Humanitarian logistics utilizes a phase model to outline disaster response stages (Kovács & Spens, 2007). However, despite addressing similar challenges, the relationship between these models remains unclear and raises questions for theory development in both fields. In commercial settings, adaptive cycles (Adobor, 2019; 2020) describe complex crises, while the HUMLOG phase model varies in detail regarding phases and their counts.

Method

Through a narrative review, we outline the most important features of each model and, through selected examples from over 10 years of research, demonstrate some of the overlaps and challenges in the two domains.

Theoretical contributions

This paper highlights the incompatibilities and overlaps between different models and proposes practical ways to utilise them in both empirical domains. While the humanitarian logistics literature initially learned from commercial models in humanitarian settings, we now advocate for a more balanced comparison of these models. Recent developments indicate that the commercial sector can benefit from lessons learned in humanitarian logistics. This work presents different but interrelated perspectives that contribute to the supply chain resilience literature in commercial and humanitarian contexts.

Managerial and societal implications

Improving resilience requires integrating theories from commercial and humanitarian settings to better manage external disruptions alongside advancing theoretical frameworks in humanitarian logistics.