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Is quality still an important determinant of small suppliers' competitive strategy? An empirical cross-industry comparison

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  • Corrado Lo Storto

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study aimed at investigating how managers in small supplying firms translate their vision of quality as a strategic tool into a set of principles, practices, and techniques that shape the firm quality-based strategy in the customer-supplier relationship. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a sample of 139 small suppliers. Three groups of firms were uncovered, associated to three conceptualisations of quality denominated 'process-oriented', 'market-oriented', and 'product-oriented'. Results show that: 1) there is a positive association between industry type and the vision of quality as a strategic leverage; 2) there is a positive association between the managers quality vision and the commitment of supplier firms to pursue a quality-based strategy through the implementation of quality-related practices; 3) there is a positive association between the supplier managers quality vision and the customer-supplier relationship pattern. Finally, a comprehensive framework is proposed to define future streams of investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Corrado Lo Storto, 2015. "Is quality still an important determinant of small suppliers' competitive strategy? An empirical cross-industry comparison," International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 14(4), pages 345-384.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijmede:v:14:y:2015:i:4:p:345-384
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