The configuration of power in vertical relationships in the food supply chain in the Canary Islands: An approach to the implementation of food traceability

Abstract

Purpose

Today's environment imposes traceability compliance on food firms. Power within the interorganisational relationships in the food supply chain may hinder the integration necessary for that traceability to be effective. The purpose of the present study is to define the configuration of power in food industry‐distribution relationships from the food industry perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables of power configuration considered in this study have been classified as mediated and non‐mediated power sources, in accordance with the criteria used by French and Raven. The Rasch model employed in the treatment of the values given by the food industries to the construct perceived power (mediated and non‐mediated power sources) permit a unidimensional measurement of that construct. Thus, the model estimated using this methodology explains power‐shaping in the food industry‐distribution relationships in the Canary Islands.

Findings

The results obtained are mostly based on the distributors' use of mediated power sources; they describe a situation that does not contribute to a high level of commitment in such relationships, since the negative effects of this type of power do not favour the climate required for the implementation of active traceability.

Research limitations/implications

The data applied in this study were gathered prior to the implementation of traceability as a legal requirement, and consequently it would be advisable and useful to conduct a post‐implementation.

Originality/value

The paper adopts a business management approach, aimed at improving relations in the food supply chain. The methodology employed allows food firms to establish suitable chain integration strategies, facilitating the effective implementation of traceability. The paper presents a conceptual framework and analytical methodology which sustain the present study and subsequent work.

Citation

Angeles Sanfiel‐Fumero, M., Martín Ramos‐Dominguez, Á. and Ramón Oreja‐Rodríguez, J. (2012), "The configuration of power in vertical relationships in the food supply chain in the Canary Islands: An approach to the implementation of food traceability", British Food Journal, Vol. 114 No. 8, pp. 1128-1156. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070701211252093