Paper Title
Antecedents of Successful Supplier-Buyer Relationship (SBR)
Abstract
The currently prevailing economic volatility at a global context has developed a sudden demand and surge for the critical understanding of the concept of relationships and the concept of transparency in business dealing in order to ensure that the business partnerships are mutually ethical, beneficial and profitable, particularly in the context of supply chain management as it is an emerging industrial prospect which is applicable inter-related to many other industries that are emerging such as construction, FMCG, clothing and food and beverages industries. This is mainly because supply chains, irrespective of the industry, are defined through interconnected complex networks of stakeholders, mainly suppliers and buyers, where numerous interactions take place on a regular basis. Based on many past researches carried out in various international contexts regarding the concept of supplier – buyer relationships within the supply chain management context. Owing to the fluctuating and dynamic nature of supply chain partnerships and relationships, a single definition, specific set of antecedents and measurement that encompasses all areas of consideration does not exist for the Supplier – Buyer Relationship aspect. Furthermore, there has not been enough research studies done in the Sri Lankan context that justify the applicability of the internationally developed measurement frameworks of trust as the nature of the supply chain relationships and partnerships vary heavily owing to the unique culture of Sri Lanka that affect the perception of relationship and partnerships. Therefore, this study has been carried out in order to develop a simple yet practically applicable set of antecedents for a successful SBR that would assist in developing a conceptual model for future research to validate to a Sri Lankan concept.
Keywords - Antecedents, Commitment, Supplier – Buyer Relationship, Trust