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Reviewing interfirm relationship quality from a supply chain management perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Chen Qian

    (Chair of Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel)

  • Stefan Seuring

    (Chair of Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel)

  • Ralf Wagner

    (Chair of Sustainable Marketing, University of Kassel)

Abstract

With the overlap of the interfirm relationship quality and supply chain management research in mind, this paper reviewed 100 recent, scientific, English-language papers on interfirm relationship quality based on a categorisation schema derived from a conceptual framework of supply chain management. We aim to contribute to the existing supply chain management literature by providing an insight into the connections of supply chain performance with buyer–supplier relationship quality from the relationship quality scholars’ perspective. Through content analysis, frequency and contingency analysis, we evaluated how the three relationship quality dimensions—information, operational, and relational dimensions—and the three types of supply chain performance—financial and market, operational, and relational performance have been reflected in the current interfirm relationship quality papers and how the scholars have tended to link them to each other. The results reveal that relational dimension plays a key role in SC relationship management and influences performance significantly. Information dimension will affect performance indirectly through relational dimension. However, the impact of the operational dimension on performance varies. In addition, buyers’ and suppliers’ perspectives on the relational drivers of their financial performance may differ. Based on the findings, we suggest promising avenues for future investigation of supply chain relationship and performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen Qian & Stefan Seuring & Ralf Wagner, 2021. "Reviewing interfirm relationship quality from a supply chain management perspective," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 71(3), pages 625-650, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manrev:v:71:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s11301-020-00195-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11301-020-00195-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Leonidou, Constantinos N. & Leonidou, Leonidas C. & Coudounaris, Dafnis N. & Hultman, Magnus, 2013. "Value differences as determinants of importers’ perceptions of exporters’ unethical behavior: The impact on relationship quality and performance," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 156-173.
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    15. Zander, Katrin & Beske, Philip, 2014. "Happy Growers! Relationship Quality in the German Organic Apple Chain," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 17(3), pages 1-20, September.
    16. Fynes, Brian & de Burca, Sean & Mangan, John, 2008. "The effect of relationship characteristics on relationship quality and performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 111(1), pages 56-69, January.
    17. Obadia, Claude & Vida, Irena, 2011. "Cross-border relationships and performance: Revisiting a complex linkage," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(5), pages 467-475, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Qian & Paul A. Dion & Ralf Wagner & Stefan Seuring, 2023. "Efficacy of supply chain relationships – differences in performance appraisals between buyers and suppliers," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1302-1320, September.
    2. Katrin Zulauf & Ralf Wagner, 2021. "Negotiation Power and the Impact of Gender Differences," Businesses, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Faridzah Jamaluddin & Nizaroyani Saibani, 2021. "Systematic Literature Review of Supply Chain Relationship Approaches amongst Business-to-Business Partners," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-25, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Relationship quality; Supply chain management; Supply chain performance; Buyer–supplier relationship; Literature review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M11 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Production Management
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing

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