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The Value of Relationships: Evidence from a Supply Shock to Kenyan Rose Exports

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  • Macchiavello, Rocco
  • Morjaria, Ameet

Abstract

This paper provides evidence on the importance of reputation, intended as beliefs buyers hold about sellerís reliability, in the context of the Kenyan rose export sector. A model of reputation and relational contracting is developed and tested. We show that 1) the value of the relationship increases with the age of the relationship; 2) during an exogenous negative supply shock sellers prioritize relationships consistently with the predictions of the model; and 3) reliability at the time of the shock positively correlates with future survival and relationship value. Models exclusively focussing on enforcement or insurance considerations cannot account for the evidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Macchiavello, Rocco & Morjaria, Ameet, 2013. "The Value of Relationships: Evidence from a Supply Shock to Kenyan Rose Exports," Economic Research Papers 270427, University of Warwick - Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:uwarer:270427
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.270427
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial Economics;

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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