This paper presents a research model to examine factors influencing information sharing and implementation
in inter-organizational relationships. The model comprises seven research hypotheses with six
constructs, including relational benefits, relational proclivity, connectedness, power symmetry, dysfunctional
conflict and information sharing. The constructs are measured by well-supported measures in the
literature. The hypotheses are tested via an empirical study of supply chains. Data are collected from
589 manufacturing firms that are among the top 1000 Taiwanese manufacturing firms of 2009 listed by
Business Weekly. The results of the empirical study suggest that the role played by relational benefits
is critical in ensuring the information sharing as it reinforces the connectedness between supply chain
members and mitigates the dysfunctional conflicts in the process. The findings of the study provide useful
insights into how supply chain members should reinforce their collaborative behaviors and activities so
as to improve their relational benefits and connectedness and in turn enhance information sharing for
the supply chain as a whole.