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A supplier development adoption framework using expectancy theory

Liang Chen (Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States)
Scott C. Ellis (Department of Marketing and Supply Chain, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States)
Nallan Suresh (State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States)

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

ISSN: 0144-3577

Article publication date: 3 May 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply expectancy theory to advance a conceptual framework which identifies factors that motivate and affect the adoption of supplier development (SD) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify salient contributions and conceptual gaps within prior SD studies. These conceptual gaps motivate the use of expectancy theory and the broader management literature to develop a conceptual framework of SD adoption.

Findings

The study results in the development of a two-stage conceptual framework in which two behavioral constructs – SD expectancy and valence – play an important role in mediating the effects of activity-, firm-, interfirm-, and environment-level factors on the adoption of SD activities. Accordingly, the authors advance 11 testable propositions that underlie the logical development of the framework.

Research limitations/implications

The application of expectancy theory facilitates the integration of constructs culled from disparate theories into a cohesive conceptual framework. Highlighting the central role of motivational force, the conceptual development provides a behavioral explanation for the indirect effects of activity-, firm-, interfirm-, and environment-level factors on SD adoption.

Practical implications

The authors advance a set of factors associated with three successive stages of the SD planning process – partner selection, activity selection, and scope selection – that managers should consider when adopting a SD activity.

Originality/value

In contrast to prior research, which largely draws from economic or strategic theories, the authors employ a behavioral approach to advance a novel set of factors that influence SD adoption.

Keywords

Citation

Chen, L., Ellis, S.C. and Suresh, N. (2016), "A supplier development adoption framework using expectancy theory", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 592-615. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-09-2013-0413

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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