Honeymoons in supply chain relationships : The effects of financial capital, social capital and psychological commitment

Abstract

Purpose

Cooperation in logistics and supply chain management has most often been studied as a characteristic of a focal firm, rather than as a relationship property, and inter‐organisational aspects need to be better understood. The purpose of this paper is to draw on insights from theories on individuals and organisations to study recently formed supply chain relationships (SCRs).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, the study develops an alternative view to the dominant strand of research on relational capital in SCRs. Drawing on insights from other disciplines, not usually associated with supply chain management, refutable propositions are suggested. Appropriate measurement scales for the new variables are suggested.

Findings

The notion of relational capital in SCRs is extended to include financial capital and psychological commitment. New propositions that relate relational capital and length of the honeymoon period (the time period immediately after SCR formation, during which the threat of dissolution is non‐existent) are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The ideas presented in this paper have the potential to enrich further study on behavioural phenomena in SCRs as the analysis makes explicit the financial, social, and psychological dimensions of relational capital.

Practical implications

This paper presents managers with a richer framework than previously existed to guide their formation and maintenance efforts in building SCRs.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils an identified need for more and better inter‐organisational theory in supply chain management research.

Citation

Hammervoll, T. (2011), "Honeymoons in supply chain relationships : The effects of financial capital, social capital and psychological commitment", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 264-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574091111156587