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Article
Publication date: 8 July 2024

Jacek Strupinski and Marzanna Witek-Hajduk

Referring to transaction costs theory, resource based view and social exchange theory, this paper examines the interplay between selected dimensions of suppliers’ relationships…

Abstract

Purpose

Referring to transaction costs theory, resource based view and social exchange theory, this paper examines the interplay between selected dimensions of suppliers’ relationships with foreign buyers, specifically relational trust, contract specificity and relationship-specific investments, as well as analyzes the effects those dimensions have on the suppliers’ product innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses survey data from 179 small- and medium-sized Polish manufacturing suppliers of high-tech products. Information was collected on dyadic relationships with their key foreign buyers and used as an input to a structural model consisting of multiple linear regressions.

Findings

It was discovered that trust and investments have a mutual positive impact on each other and individually contribute to the supplier’s product innovation. However, once both trust and investments were included in the model, only the latter showed significant effect. Contracts, on the other hand, showed different impact on innovation depending on how it was measured.

Practical implications

Managers should treat trust only as a mechanism to create supportive environment for investments, which exclusively have the power to improve supplier’s product innovation. Contracts’ role, in turn, should be limited to facilitating business relationships.

Originality/value

Only single quantitative studies analyzed trust, investments and contracts as determinants of supplier’s product innovation. Also, focus was not placed on high-tech SMEs in relationships with foreign buyers. As a result, our study provides unique insights on such relationships and unveils new details on an indirect link between trust and product innovation.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2024

Debora Chelestino Kisinga, Alban Dismas Mchopa and Leonada Raphael Mwagike

This paper aims to investigate the effect of supplier relationship management (SRM) on the business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of supplier relationship management (SRM) on the business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania. The paper also examines the moderating role of logistics capabilities in the relationship between SRM and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a cross-sectional survey design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 202 small-scale grape processing firms. The data were analysed through descriptive and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings revealed that buyer-supplier relationships, supplier development and supplier selection were positively and significantly related to business performance. Furthermore, knowledge transfer had no relationship with business performance. On the other hand, the findings showed that logistics capabilities significantly moderated the relationship between SRM and business performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was cross-sectional, conducted only in Tanzania, and focussed entirely on small-scale firms processing grapes as raw materials. Thus, generalising the study findings to other countries with different conditions should be done cautiously. Also, this study used subjective measures, and other studies could use objective measures.

Practical implications

The study helps firm managers understand the importance of supplier relationship management on business performance. The findings also can be used by policymakers to create targeted policies and initiatives that support the firm’s growth and sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to find empirical support for the moderating role of logistics capability in supplier relationship management and the business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in the Tanzanian context.

Details

IIMT Journal of Management, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2976-7261

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2024

Azadeh Rajabian Tabesh, Md. Maruf Hossan Chowdhury, Mohammed A Quaddus, Omid Ameri Sianaki and Eijaz Khan

This paper aims to illuminate the nuanced dynamics of green supply chain management (GSCM), specifically focusing on the intersections of supplier relationships, supplier…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to illuminate the nuanced dynamics of green supply chain management (GSCM), specifically focusing on the intersections of supplier relationships, supplier governance and organizational agility. Recognizing a gap in the understanding of how these elements confluence to promote green purchasing, the paper uses a quantitative study on data collected from the Australian food industry. Advanced analysis techniques provide empirical evidence underscoring the pivotal roles these elements play, expanding on current GSCM literature within a resource-based view.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, based on a questionnaire sent to Australian food professionals, used higher-order reflective constructs to assess supplier relationships and governance. Data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling and Hayes PROCESS, considering factors like firm revenue and manager experience. Both the reliability of measures and mediation hypotheses were stringently validated using established guidelines.

Findings

The comprehensive study validated supplier governance's key influence on green purchasing and supplier relationships. Notably, organizational agility emerged as a crucial mediator, underscoring the interplay of these constructs. Concurrently, the reflective measurement model exhibited robust validity and reliability. Interestingly, demographic factors such as company size, revenue and managerial experience showed no discernible impact on green purchasing practices.

Practical implications

In the Australian food sector, supplier governance and relationships are pivotal for advancing green purchasing. This study emphasizes the value of organizational agility in amplifying these practices. Managers, when aligning with supplier relationships enhanced by communication and mutual aid, can foster robust green initiatives. Embracing these insights and the critical importance of supplier governance, managers can drive more sustainable, informed supply chain decisions in the industry.

Originality/value

In pursuit of understanding the relationship between supplier governance, supplier relationships and green purchasing, this research uniquely situates itself within the resource-based view (RBV) to reveal critical theoretical and practical implications. By focusing on the Australian food industry, the study spotlights the often-overlooked mediating role of organizational agility in linking supplier relationships with green purchasing efforts. In doing so, this research not only strengthens the argument for fortified supplier relationships – as a catalyst for enhancing agility and thereby green practices – but also re-contextualizes the RBV in a fresh light. This new perspective provides managers with an enriched model, emphasizing the imperative of solid supplier governance for sustainable, agile and green supply chain operations in the food domain.

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2024

Mingjie Fang and Mengmeng Wang

Engaging suppliers in joint innovation can be an effective means for buyer firms to overcome internal resource/capability limitations. The purpose of this research is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Engaging suppliers in joint innovation can be an effective means for buyer firms to overcome internal resource/capability limitations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impacts of cultural and trust congruences between the supplier and buyer firms on joint innovation. In addition, we examine the relationship commitment as an antecedent of cultural and trust congruences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs a theoretical model based on social exchange theory (SET) and examines it using data from Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

The results suggest that cultural and trust congruences between suppliers and buyers positively influence joint processes and product innovations. Furthermore, we find that while normative relationship commitments of supplier firms promote cultural and trust congruences with buyers, instrumental relationship commitments only positively affect trust congruence.

Originality/value

This study enhances our understanding of social exchanges by adopting a dyadic view to examine the interconnectedness between relationship commitment, cultural and trust congruences, and joint innovation. These findings also offer practical managerial implications for managing collaborative innovation projects.

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Chanwoo Moon, Mark A. Bonn and Meehee Cho

Given the intensified competitiveness in the wine retail industry, partnering with quality suppliers becomes critical to ensure a steady supply of high-quality products and…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the intensified competitiveness in the wine retail industry, partnering with quality suppliers becomes critical to ensure a steady supply of high-quality products and sustainable business growth. This study aims to explore how wine supplier quality attributes impact wine retail businesses and if such effects differ depending on wine retail types.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from wine purchasing managers in Korea. To validate the proposed relationships, structural equation modeling was used. A multigroup analysis was conducted to test distinct roles of on/off-premise wine retail types within this research framework.

Findings

Results support the significance of supplier quality attributes in shaping the landscape of wine retail businesses. Operational and strategic benefits exhibited a positive effect on both financial performance and suppliers’ relationship satisfaction, thereby improving the intent to continue working with suppliers. This study revealed noteworthy distinctions in the effects of supplier quality attributes on operational and strategic benefits between on-premise and off-premise wine retailers.

Research limitations/implications

Findings provide valuable insights to wine suppliers and buyers concerning the establishment of a mutually beneficial long-term interdependent relationship. The approach sheds light on the unique dynamics of wine retail types, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the distinct roles of supplier quality attributes on on-premise and off-premise retailers.

Originality/value

This study developed an integrative framework, emphasizing the importance of supplier quality attributes in the wine retail industry. This model offers valuable insights into creating favorable buyer–supplier relationships that result in mutual benefits for both wine retailers and suppliers.

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Ming-Chang Huang, Ting-Chuan Lin, Ping-Hsin Lin, Ya-Ping Chiu and Chi-Hung Chung

This study aims to investigate whether higher value creation leads to higher value appropriation and to identify the boundary conditions in a buyer–supplier relationship that can…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether higher value creation leads to higher value appropriation and to identify the boundary conditions in a buyer–supplier relationship that can explain why a particular supplier can appropriate higher value than others.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses questionnaire surveys. The sample of the survey has 150 publicly-listed supplier firms in Taiwan. The unit of analysis is the buyer–supplier relationship.

Findings

In the buyer–supplier relationship, suppliers’ bargaining power, partnership and a supplier’s original brand manufacturing (OBM) business can strengthen the positive relationship between value creation and value appropriation.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts the unilateral viewpoint of suppliers; however, some constructs might require dyadic evaluation. This study only explores the spillover effect of OBM business on the relationship between value creation and appropriation.

Practical implications

The spillover effect of a supplier’s OBM business in a buyer–supplier relationship allows the buyer to share more common benefits and the supplier to capture more private benefits as compensation. By broadening its customer base, a supplier can increase its bargaining power. A supplier can also maintain a strategic partnership with each essential buyer.

Originality/value

To avoid the dark-side effect of partnership, the model provides the contingency that a supplier can capture more value from a buyer–supplier relationship.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 May 2023

Moh'd Anwer Al-Shboul

Due to the current volatile environment and fierce competition, manufacturing firms (MFs) must improve their performance to survive. In this regard, checking and monitoring the…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the current volatile environment and fierce competition, manufacturing firms (MFs) must improve their performance to survive. In this regard, checking and monitoring the suppliers' risk should significantly improve the performance of MFs. In addition, a relation based on not being an opportunist, confidence and reliance are influential factors in reducing the supplier defaults on his/her supply obligations and improving supply chain performance (SCP). Besides, the moderator function of supplier involvement (SI) in the relationship between quality of the relationship (QoR) and supply risk mitigation (SRM) is undeniable.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the survey of 148 samples from small to large-sized MFs in Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, empirical evidence has been conducted to support a majority of the authors’ hypotheses. This paper provides a theoretical review of buyer–supplier relationships and supply risk. Hypotheses were tested by using structural equation modeling (SEM)/Smart PLS-4.

Findings

According to the results, confidence and reliance have statistically significant and positive impacts on SRM, resulting in better SCP. Moreover, the findings show that SI positively affects and moderates the relationship between confidence (C) and SRM, while it has no statistically significant influence on the relationship between reliance (R) and SRM.

Practical implications

This study provides necessary material for managers and decision-makers in MFs to confirm the importance and understanding of the QoR in building relationships and business dealings with partners in the SC, in addition to limiting and mitigating the risks of an interruption in supply in particular. Therefore, building a high-quality relationship as a practice based on trust and reliability with suppliers positively affects the performance of the SCs of MFs.

Originality/value

This research paper offers empirical evidence for using QoR within SRM resources of MFs' context for enhancing their supply chain performance. This study is one of few studies that examine the QoR and SRM that contribute to enhancing SCP in MFs in developing countries, which also can serve as a reference for many SC managers and practitioners.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Odai Khamaiseh, Mohammad Alghababsheh, Saowanit Lekhavat and Mushfiqur Rahman

This study examines the impact of inter-organisational justice (i.e. distributive, procedural and interactional) in the buyer–supplier relationship on supply risk and, in turn, on…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the impact of inter-organisational justice (i.e. distributive, procedural and interactional) in the buyer–supplier relationship on supply risk and, in turn, on a firm’s marketing and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured survey was administered both online and in-person to Jordan-based manufacturing companies. The 137 responses received were analysed using partial least structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study found that while establishing both procedural and interactional justice in the relationship has a negative impact on supply risk, promoting distributive justice, surprisingly, has no impact. Moreover, supply risk was found to be detrimental to the firm’s marketing and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers only the direct role of inter-organisational justice in reducing supply risk. Future research could enhance our understanding of this role by exploring the underlying mechanisms and conditions that could govern it.

Practical implications

Managers can alleviate supply risk by ensuring procedural and interactional justice in the relationship through involving suppliers in the decision-making processes, consistently adhering to established procedures and communicating transparent and ample information.

Social implications

Addressing supply risk can help in maintaining community resilience and economic stability.

Originality/value

The study highlights inter-organisational justice as a new approach to mitigating supply risk. Moreover, by examining how supply risk can affect a firm’s marketing performance, it also highlights a new implication of supply risk. Furthermore, by exclusively examining the impact of supply risk on a firm’s financial performance, the study provides a more nuanced interpretation of the effect of supply risk and how it can be reduced.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Dilupa Nakandala, Jiahe Chen and Tendai Chikweche

This study investigates the antecedents of supply chain resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the effects of government assistance and disruption intensity…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the antecedents of supply chain resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the effects of government assistance and disruption intensity in long-term disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 626 SMEs in Australia in 2022 and analysed data using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The study empirically confirms that digital capabilities, prior experience in disruptions, supplier proximity and relationships are antecedents of supply chain resilience of SMEs, with supply chain robustness as a mediator. It further confirms that SMEs' access to government assistance positively moderates the relationship between digital capabilities and supply chain robustness. The disruption intensity moderates the relationships between supplier proximity and supply chain robustness with supply chain resilience. Severe disruptions weaken the effects of prior disruption experiences and supplier relationships on supply chain resilience.

Practical implications

The findings inform SME practitioners of the importance of building supply chain robustness, leveraging their prior experience, supplier proximity and relationships and capabilities and flexibility for dynamic supply chain structures when disruptions are intense.

Originality/value

The novelty of our study is the use of the Contingent Resource-Based View to understand the effects of firm and supply chain-level antecedents on supply chain robustness and resilience, considering the contextual contingencies of disruption intensity and government assistance. The focus on long-term disruptions extends the conventional supply chain resilience studies on supply and demand disruptions of small scale. We also explore the firm-level effects of government assistance, which extends the commonly tested economic-level effects. Furthermore, we investigate supply chain robustness and resilience as different but connected constructs, deviating from common approaches. The finding that the relationship between digital capabilities and supply chain robustness, not the relationship between digital capabilities and supply chain resilience, becomes stronger with higher access to government support shows the importance of this approach to investigating specific effects.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Manoj Hudnurkar, Suhas Suresh Ambekar, Sonali Bhattacharya, V.G. Venkatesh and Yangyan Shi

The study aims to understand the influence of supplier development (SD) activities on supplier satisfaction through the lens of social capital theory (SCT) and to understand the…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to understand the influence of supplier development (SD) activities on supplier satisfaction through the lens of social capital theory (SCT) and to understand the mediating role of the buyer–supplier relationship (BSR) in improving supplier satisfaction (SS).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on survey of 110 key informants belonging to 50 medium to small supplier companies in the Indian automotive sector. We employed the PLS variance-based modelling technique for the data analysis.

Findings

The investigation resulted in a comprehensive framework for SD activities influencing SS. Further findings recognize a positive influence of SD activities such as payment terms and BSR, which are components of structural social capital on the SS. SD activities such as quality management and delivery, which are indicators of relational capital, affect SS through the mediation of BSR.

Originality/value

The study confirms the role of BSR in SS. The deliberations can help the managers of buyer and supplier firms and researchers to classify and strategize SD activities to improve performance and BSR to become preferred customers through SS.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000