Abstract
Orientation: Firms can no longer rely on their own internal capabilities to operate in dynamic business environments but rather depend on buyer–supplier relationships to resolve and survive supply chain disruptions.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying role of personal buyer–supplier relationships in a supply chain disruption context.Motivation for the study: Previous research studies have focussed solely on the role of business relationships in a supply chain disruption context, while neglecting personal relationships.Research design, approach and method: A generic qualitative research strategy was used for this purpose. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine buyers and nine suppliers of logistics services who were involved in personal relationships during supply chain disruptions.Main findings: The findings of this study indicate the attributes that must be present for a personal relationship to form in a supply chain disruption context, along with the various advantages and disadvantages that are derived from personal relationships in times of supply chain disruption.Practical/managerial implications: For managers, this study identifies various attributes, advantages and disadvantages of personal relationships in supply chain disruptions, therefore equipping managers to extract value from personal relationships in supply chain disruptions.Contribution/value-add: Academically, this study expands the literature by being one of the first empirical studies to conduct research on the role of buyer–supplier personal relationships in the third-party logistics supply chain disruption context.
Highlights
Today, the business world is more intricate than ever before
The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to understand the role of personal relationships in a supply chain disruption context between buyers and suppliers of logistics services in Gauteng, South Africa
This study explored the disruption context as a whole without http://www.actacommercii.co.za distinguishing between the discovery, recovery and redesign phases
Summary
The business world is more intricate than ever before. This interconnectedness and interrelatedness led to the evolution of globalisation, extended supply chains, longer lead times, loss of control over resources and greater uncertainty (Agigi, Niemann & Kotzé 2016:1–3; Behdani et al 2012:2; Habermann, Blackhurst & Metcalf 2015:493; Scholten & Schilder 2015:471). Firms can no longer rely on their own internal abilities and capabilities because of the myriad number of risks and challenges (Behdani et al 2012:2; Revilla & Saenz 2017:3). These risks and challenges impose new realities, changes and challenges on supply chain members (Kahn, Barton & Fellows 2013:381, 384). The relationship between buyers and suppliers of logistics services determines whether a firm will reap the full advantage of logistics outsourcing or not (Havenga et al 2016:6)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
