Communication media selection in buyer-supplier relationships

Journal article


Ambrose, Eamonn, Marshall, Donna, Fynes, Brian and Lynch, Daniel F. 2008. Communication media selection in buyer-supplier relationships. International Journal of Operations & Production Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570810861561
AuthorsAmbrose, Eamonn, Marshall, Donna, Fynes, Brian and Lynch, Daniel F.
Abstract

Purpose: In successful purchasing relationships, effective communication is a key factor. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether the choice of communication media is affected by different stages in the relationship development process and by different purchasing contexts: product and service purchasing. Design/methodology/approach: The study initially reviews the literature on inter-organizational communication and purchasing relationships. In order to explore the research question, data were gathered through semi-structured in-depth interviews with purchasing managers, buyers and their suppliers in three product and three service purchasing relationships. Findings: The study identifies a relationship development framework that influences the communication media selection in two purchasing contexts. It confirms that communication media selection is affected by the communication needs of the participants, the stage of relationship development, and the purchasing context. Research limitations/implications: This research was limited to six buyer/supplier relationships involving a single multinational buyer organization, so although a range of purchasing contexts was considered, the findings have limited application. The relationship development process and the incidence of media selection should be further examined in varied contexts and a survey of buyers and suppliers should test the framework. Originality/value: This study is a refinement of the existing predominantly single-respondent, survey-based studies in the literature in that both parties in a series of purchasing dyads were interviewed. The paper makes a contribution as it illustrates the application of the media richness theory, explores the contextual factors surrounding media selection and provides a buyer-supplier relationship development framework based on behavioural and functional aspects of the relationship..

KeywordsBuyer-seller relationships; Purchasing; Communication; Finished goods; Services
Year2008
JournalInternational Journal of Operations & Production Management
PublisherEmerald
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570810861561
Web address (URL)http://hdl.handle.net/10545/622833
http://hdl.handle.net/10197/6042
hdl:10545/622833
Publication datesJan 2008
Publication process dates
Deposited19 Jul 2018, 11:52
Rights2008 Emerald Group Publishing Limited

This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here http://researchrepository.ucd.ie/. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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