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Relationship-specific investments for up- and downstream firms and credit constraints

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  • David, Thomas
  • Troege, Michael
  • Nguyen, Hiep Manh
  • Nguyen, Hang Thu

Abstract

This paper argues that there exists a fundamental asymmetry between relationship-specific investments (RSI) made for downstream firms (customer-specific investments – CSI) and for upstream firms (supplier-specific investments – SSI). Both types of RSI can create a hold-up problem, but everything else equal, suppliers have higher bargaining power, rendering hold-ups by suppliers more dangerous than hold-ups by customers. Using unique data on Vietnamese SMEs that allow for a clean separation between CSI and SSI, we demonstrate that this leads to less frequent SSI and that the few firms making SSI will be more risky and financially constrained. We discuss the implications of this finding for supply chain management and public policy destined to foster RSI.

Suggested Citation

  • David, Thomas & Troege, Michael & Nguyen, Hiep Manh & Nguyen, Hang Thu, 2024. "Relationship-specific investments for up- and downstream firms and credit constraints," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:84:y:2024:i:c:s0929119923001839
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2023.102534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Supplier-specific investments; Credit constraints; Bargaining theory; Vietnam; SMEs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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