Abstract

Purpose: This study advances distribution science by examining how anticipatory management frameworks operate within distribution networks during supply chain crises, developing an integrated analytical approach to enhance system resilience through multi-stakeholder coordination whilst maintaining logistics efficiency. The research proposes the Integrated Proactive Distribution Management (IPDM) framework for navigating complex crisis environments characterised by technological disruption and supply chain volatility. Research design, data and methodology: The research employs methodological triangulation combining structural equation modelling with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis across 237 stakeholders representing logistics experts, supply chain managers, and retail leaders. Stratified random sampling and comprehensive measurement validation examine interrelationships between anticipatory governance, stakeholder trust, and distribution resilience across supply chain interfaces. Results: The analysis reveals dual pathways through which anticipatory management enhances distribution system resilience: direct capacity-building mechanisms and indirect trust-mediated processes. Five configurational patterns emerge with consistency scores exceeding 0.858, whilst anticipatory capacity and stakeholder trust constitute necessary conditions for effective distribution network coordination. Conclusions: The IPDM framework reconceptualises strategic distribution management mechanisms that simultaneously preserve stakeholder collaboration whilst enhancing coordination effectiveness, providing actionable insights for distribution managers navigating crisis environments. The framework offers strategic flexibility for organisations with varying capabilities to achieve competitive advantage through superior crisis preparedness.