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Short Sellers: A screening theory perspective on B2B relationships

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  • Connelly, Brian L.
  • Shi, Wei
  • Cheng, Xin
  • Yin, Cheng

Abstract

There is a potential dark side to B2B relationships, so managers must determinewhich relationships hold the most promise. They will make relationship-specific investments (RSIs) in what they perceive to be the best B2B relationships. To help make RSI decisions, managers look for informational cues about the prospects of the relationship. A key determinant of RSI decision-makingcould be the level of short selling at their potential B2B partner. Short sellers are informed traders who can help top managers make wise decisions about how much to commit to a B2B relationship. We also put forward ideas about scenarios where short sellers will be most salient to RSI decisions.Examinationof 1,362 firm-supplier pairs over ten years lend support to our ideas.Specifically, a firm’s level of short interestis negatively associated with RSI by its B2B suppliers. These results are moderated by internal control weaknesses (ICWs) and analyst coverage.

Suggested Citation

  • Connelly, Brian L. & Shi, Wei & Cheng, Xin & Yin, Cheng, 2021. "Short Sellers: A screening theory perspective on B2B relationships," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 393-404.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:134:y:2021:i:c:p:393-404
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.05.029
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