International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, 3(1), 43-57, January-March 2010 43 Copyright © 2010, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Keywords: Contingency Theory, Human Collaboration, Supply Chain Management introduCtion Advances in Information Technology (IT) coupled with the creation of the World Wide Web (WWW) and Internet have not only generated a more efficient means for manufacturers to in- teract with customers, but also for customers to access competitive products. This latter change has, in many ways, shifted the power from the seller to the buyer. As a result, manufacturers are transforming their supply chains to provide more value laden products and services. Sup- ply chains represent the material and information interchanges stretching from acquisition of raw materials to delivery of finished products, and consists of vendors, service providers, and customers (Chopra and Meindl, 2001; McAdam & McCormick, 2001; Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, 2005). To help with this transformation, many manufacturers have adopted the latest best in class strategies like Customer Relationship Management, Supplier Relationship Management, and Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment. While 48 percent of U.S. businesses have implemented these approaches and their associated tools, only nine percent are considering future updates, with the remaining 91 percent not sure how to proceed (Forrester, 2005). This finding the strategic role of human Collaboration in supply Chain Management Kenneth Saban, Duquesne University, USA John Mawhinney, Duquesne University, USA abstraCt Supply chain performance is often equated with acquiring the best technology or process. However, current studies suggest that supply chain performance also requires human collaboration. To change conventional thinking, this paper proposes a holistic approach to supply chain management (SCM), clarifes the forces that facilitate human collaboration, and identifes the steps management can take to create a more collaborative network. DOI: 10.4018/jisscm.2010092903