Channel Conflict
When a business-to-business firm is not able to achieve cooperation among its various channel members, channel conflict arises. Channel conflict can be described as a situation in which one channel member perceives another channel member to be engaged in behavior that is preventing or impeding the other from achieving a set goal. It is, in essence, a state of frustration brought about by a restriction of role performance. Exhibit 7-6 lists examples of typical channel conflict problems Most business marketing managers agree on the importance of channel control. Conflict exists when a channel member senses that the behavior of another channel member (usually a dyadic counterpart) is impeding the attainment of the channel members goals or effective performance Conflict may result when channel members have mutually exclusive or inconsistent values, interests, or goals Manufacturers want control of distribution channels for better execution of their marketing strategies. Likewise, intermediaries have been assumed also to want control of the channel to avoid being bound by manufacturer-determined strategies The stage is set for conflict