Formalising product deletion across the supply chain: blockchain technology as a relational governance mechanism

Companies manage their product portfolios to create value. Products and associated materials are important flows that link supply chains entities from upstream to downstream. Product deletion is a critical decision in product portfolio management. Current product management literature has predominantly targeted product proliferation, growth, and extension. Product deletion research is relatively and severely limited. Product deletion decisions are less appealing to managers; often due to significant operational changes and disruptions deletion creates within the firm and along the supply chain. Quality information and data can support sound product deletion decision making. Blockchain technology is a valuable tool that can effectively address information governance challenges in supply chains. To this end, we theoretically position blockchain technology as a governance mechanism supporting supply chain relational governance using relational view theory. This paper provides insights into the practice of blockchain and product deletion within a supply chain context. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided as we seek to link supply chain-related product deletion decision processes within blockchain technology supported information governance. There are promising potentials in both fields, Additional research development is needed to effectively manage in this environment and has broader implications for product portfolio management in the supply chain.