A review of inter-firm relationship quality in supply chains. Issue 12 (28th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qian, Chen; Seuring, Stefan; Wagner, Ralf
• Is Part Of: Journal of business & industrial marketing. Volume 36:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 2187
• Page End: 2200
• Publication Date: 2020-03-28
• Subjects: Performance -- Relationship marketing -- Supply chain -- Buyer–seller relationship -- Relationship quality; Industrial marketing -- Periodicals; 658.804
• DOI: 10.1108/JBIM-05-2019-0199
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-8624

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: This paper aims to conduct a review of the recent literature on inter-firm relationship quality (RQ) in the supply chain (SC) settings. Design/methodology/approach: 100 English-language scientific publications on inter-firm RQ, published from 2006 to 2015 were selected and analyzed by using a content analysis approach. Findings: The results of the frequency analysis map the antecedents, dimensions and consequences – particularly the performance and behavioral intentions of collaborating partners – of buyer–seller RQ presented in the current literature. The contingency analysis offers insights into the use of relevant constructs of inter-firm RQ in SCs in the individual papers. A range of research gaps is uncovered. Research limitations/implications: The category building for the content analysis was based on an RQ framework that focuses on the mediator structure and neglects the effects of moderators. Practical implications: The developed framework of inter-firm RQ in SCs provides managers with a guide to the relevant influencing factors, evaluation indicators and consequences of the quality of their relationships with SC partners. Originality/value: This paper provides the first literature review at the intersection of RQ and SC. The research framework developed specifies the use of the previous RQ framework in the business-to-business and SC context. A critique of the existing studies is discussed and the agenda for future research are suggested.