Partnership strength and diversity with suppliers: Effects upon independent restaurant product innovation and performance. Issue 3 (19th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cho, Meehee; Bonn, Mark A.; Han, Su Jin; Kang, Sora
• Is Part Of: International journal of contemporary hospitality management. Volume 30:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 1526
• Page End: 1544
• Publication Date: 2018-03-19
• Subjects: Product innovation -- Partnership strength and diversity -- Restaurant performance; Hospitality industry -- Management -- Periodicals; 647.94068
• DOI: 10.1108/IJCHM-01-2017-0016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6119

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of independent restaurant partnerships upon product innovation associated with performance by investigating differences in business situations between startup and established independent restaurant sectors. Design/methodology/approach: Partnership strength and diversity were assessed to identify their influence on restaurant product innovation and performance using a structural equation model to test the study's hypotheses. A multi-group analysis was used to examine the moderating roles of business life cycle on the relationships between partnership strength and diversity and product innovation. Findings: Results found that product innovation implementation requires strong and diverse partnerships with suppliers to improve independent restaurant performance. Diverse partnerships have a more positive effect upon product innovation than do strong partnerships. The positive effect partnership strength with suppliers had upon product innovation was significantly greater for startup restaurants, while its positive effect of diversity was greater for established restaurants. Practical implications: Findings can be used to establish effective strategic partnerships with independent restaurant suppliers and to manage them more effectively in consideration of their business characteristics being startup or established operations. Originality/value: This study was an initial attempt to empirically prove significant roles of partnership strength and diversity applied to the context of independent restaurant product innovation. Findings regarding different effects of partnership strength and diversity contributed to the existing body of knowledge about strategic partnerships with suppliers.