Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
6-2018
Publisher
Emerald
Source Publication
International Journal of Logistics Management
Source ISSN
0957-4093
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to articulate propositions on how collaborating multi-national corporations (MNCs) can manage their supplier base in order to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance with shared codes-of-conduct.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilises a conceptual theory development approach. In doing so, it utilises key tenets of agency theory that are applied in a multi-principal–supplier relationship context and synthesised in a series of propositions.
Findings
The study shows that MNCs have a variety of mechanisms for reducing the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance by decreasing information asymmetry, increasing their bargaining power and simultaneously use of both rewards/sanctions, and reputation-based safeguards.
Research limitations/implications
This is a conceptual theory development study, offering testable propositions, which have then to be empirically validated.
Practical implications
The study showcases that managers of MNCs who find themselves in relationships with non-compliant suppliers have at their disposal a variety of mechanisms to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies that explore suppliers’ non-compliance with codes-of-conduct at the level of a relationship, rather than a single firm. In this way it proposes a theoretical framework grounded in agency theory on managing relationships between multi-principal collaborators and their suppliers.
Recommended Citation
Delbufalo, Emanuela and Bastl, Marko, "Multi-principal collaboration and supplier’s compliance with codes-of-conduct" (2018). Management Faculty Research and Publications. 327.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/mgmt_fac/327
Comments
Accepted version. International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 29, No. 4 (June 2018): 1237-1254. DOI. © 2018 Emerald. Used with permission.