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The Quasi-Judicial Role of Large Retailers : An Efficiency Hypothesis of their Relation with Suppliers

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  • Benito Arrunada

Abstract

[fre] Le papier explore l'hypothèse que les grands distributeurs, comme Wal Mart et Carrefour, jouent un rôle quasi-judiciaire dans leurs relations avec leurs fournisseurs, en adaptant les termes de leurs échanges aux changements qui surviennent et en sanctionnant les défaillances. Les abus potentiels de cette position sont limités par le besoin qu 'ont les distributeurs de re-contracter et de préserver leurs réputations. Les fournisseurs renouvellent leur confiance dans leurs distributeurs sur une base annuelle en rédigeant de nouveaux contrats. Ce renouvellement des contrats contredit l'hypothèse que les fournisseurs sont expropriés par les grands distributeurs en raison de l'existence d'investissements spécifiques. [eng] The paper explores the hypothesis that large retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour, play a quasi-judicial role in their relationships with suppliers, adjusting the terms of trade to on-going changes and sanctioning performance failures. Potential abuse of their position is limited by the need for re-contracting and preserving their reputations. Suppliers renew their confidence in their retailers on a yearly basis, through writing new contracts. This renovation challenges the assertion that suppliers are expropriated by large retailers as a consequence of specific investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Benito Arrunada, 2000. "The Quasi-Judicial Role of Large Retailers : An Efficiency Hypothesis of their Relation with Suppliers," Revue d'Économie Industrielle, Programme National Persée, vol. 92(1), pages 277-296.
    • Handle: RePEc:prs:recind:rei_0154-3229_2000_num_92_1_1052
    DOI: 10.3406/rei.2000.1052
    Note: DOI:10.3406/rei.2000.1052
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    1. Klein, Benjamin, 1996. "Why Hold-Ups Occur: The Self-Enforcing Range of Contractual Relationships," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 34(3), pages 444-463, July.
    2. Arrunada, Benito & Garicano, Luis & Vazquez, Luis, 2001. "Contractual Allocation of Decision Rights and Incentives: The Case of Automobile Distribution," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 17(1), pages 257-284, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Benito Arruñada, 2007. "Market and institutional determinants in the regulation of conveyancers," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 93-116, April.
    2. Benito Arruñada, 2011. "Mandatory accounting disclosure by small private companies," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 32(3), pages 377-413, December.
    3. Benito ArruÒada, 2003. "Property Enforcement as Organized Consent," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 19(2), pages 401-444, October.
    4. Fabrizio Cafaggi & Paola Iamiceli, 2010. "Inter-firm Networks in the European Wine Industry," EUI-LAW Working Papers 19, European University Institute (EUI), Department of Law.
    5. Arruñada Benito & Garicano Luis & Vázquez Luis, 2005. "Completing Contracts Ex Post: How Car Manufacturers Manage Car Dealers," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 149-173, April.
    6. Arruñada Benito & Andonova Veneta, 2008. "Judges' Cognition and Market Order," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 4(2), pages 665-692, December.
    7. Maze, Armelle, 2002. "Learning Process and Contract Adaptation with Quality Uncertainty: Some Paradoxes in Retailer-Producer Relationships," 2002 International Congress, August 28-31, 2002, Zaragoza, Spain 24957, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    8. Benito Arruñada, 2021. "La seguridad jurídica en España. Documento de discusión (versión revisada y comentada)," Studies on the Spanish Economy eee2021-18, FEDEA.
    9. Benito Arruñada, 2000. "The role of institutions in the contractual process," Economics Working Papers 521, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, revised Apr 2003.
    10. Benito Arruñada, 2020. "La seguridad jurídica en España," Studies on the Spanish Economy eee2020-26, FEDEA.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • K12 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Contract Law
    • M31 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Marketing and Advertising - - - Marketing

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