SQM-internal quality performance: the SCO culture contingency effect

Abstract

The aim of this study is to empirically identify the contribution of supplier quality management activities to internal quality performance of buying organisations and discover the moderating impact of supply chain oriented culture on this link. Empirical evidence based on a survey conducted on a sample of manufacturing organisations in the UK was used to analyse a conceptual framework linking supplier quality management, internal quality performance and supply chain oriented culture. The results show that there is a positive multidimensional relationship between supplier quality management and internal quality performance, which is positively associated with supply chain oriented culture. Firms with strong supply chain oriented culture have greater level of trust and commitment to increase their internal quality performance with regard to their supplier management processes. In this research, supplier quality management and internal quality performance are addressed as multidimensional context dependent constructs. Moreover, the study investigates a supply chain oriented culture - as opposed to organisational culture- on managing a buying organisation’s internal quality. This research provides important implications for managers who are willing to improve their internal quality performance.