Results from the data analysis indicate that true collaboration is not yet present
in buyer-supplier relationships. Although certain key collaboration initiatives are
present, such as information sharing, other critical aspects like trust are not yet
widespread. Therefore, firms and supply chains still have room for improvement in
order to achieve the close relationships required in order to collaboratively practice
supply chain management. Finally, more research is identified to further progress the
field and to gain an improved understanding of the complex relationships necessary for
true collaboration
The second stage in the SCM continuum that Spekman et al (1998) denote is one
in which firms cooperate with one another and begin working together for the good of
all involved parties rather than individual firms. This stage of SCM became more
common in the 1980s as intense global competition led manufacturers to realize the
benefits of strategic and cooperative relationships between buyers and suppliers. This
cooperative stage involves rationalizing the supplier base by utilizing fewer suppliers
and engaging in longer-term contracts. While information is shared with channel
partners as needed, a culture of openness and complete trust and commitment still
does not exist at this level of SCM.
Supply Chain Management (SCM) often requires independent organizations to
work together to achieve shared objectives. This collaboration is necessary when
coordinated actions benefit the group more than the uncoordinated efforts of individual
firms. Collaboration is a key dimension of SCM, and it has numerous key dimensions of
its own. These include information sharing, resource sharing, decision synchronization,
incentive alignment, goal congruence, joint knowledge creation, and collaborative
communication. Trust and commitment are also key factors that intertwine with these
dimensions. Successful implementation of these types of collaborative relationships can
lead to a collaborative advantage, where firms working together achieve greater success
than they would have alone.
Results from the data analysis indicate that true collaboration is not yet present
in buyer-supplier relationships. Although certain key collaboration initiatives are
present, such as information sharing, other critical aspects like trust are not yet
widespread. Therefore, firms and supply chains still have room for improvement in
order to achieve the close relationships required in order to collaboratively practice
supply chain management. Finally, more research is identified to further progress the
field and to gain an improved understanding of the complex relationships necessary for
true collaboration.
Thus, this person is responsible for guiding
both the formation and execution of long-term relationships and supply chains
composed of numerous individual firms (Spekman et al, 1998). With this critical role in
mind, the semi-structured interviews and internet survey will be conducted by only
utilizing purchasing representatives of respondent firms.