The use of an integrative approach to an arm’s length relationship seemed to be a
questionable exercise, when this situation was presented to both parties. As such,
buyers and suppliers both expressed that all things being equal, both parties would
save some time when speaking of negotiating prices, as they did not need to decipher
manipulated information uttered from the other party’s side.
That being said, both parties would often respond with jokes, when asked about
adopting the integrative approach in an arm’s length relationship. As such, buyers and
suppliers remarked that taking the chance of being completely open and trusting
towards the other party would be too high considering the risk of the other party
exploiting the other party. One supplier remarked that that would at best be naı¨ve and
would be inexpedient insofar as negotiating the best deal for their respective firm