Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrative account of market (economic) competition and supply chain vs. supply chain competition in order to discover how both perspectives of competition might fit together within the broader encompassing notion of business competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores the potential points of alignment between the two competition perspectives from their development through to their current standings. Literatures on the evolving supply chain vs. supply chain competition as well as market competition are thus explored.

Findings

Results show that the two perspectives of competition are more similar than expected and as such market competition and supply chain vs. supply chain competition may not be described as mutually exclusive alternatives to the concept of competition.

Research limitations/implications (if applicable)

The suggestions in this paper have implications for the discussion on how to deal with the competition interfaces (borders) that may be present in carrying out business as usual.

Original/value

The paper presents as one of the first studies of an integration of market competition and supply chain vs. supply chain competition, and thereby contributes to furthering our understanding of competition between supply chains and the different competition regimes that may exist within the business environment. This prospect is yet to be pointed out in literature.