Theories relevant to purchasing and supply management research: status quo and future suggestions

Abstract

This chapter explores the theoretical development in the Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM) discipline over the past two decades. Theory is needed for any discipline as it matures. Despite multiple calls for theory use, little formal research has been produced to examine theories used to underpin contemporary PSM research and the promising theories for future use to further the scholarly development of PSM. This chapter is based on and extends the work by Giunipero and Colleagues in a 2019 study where the authors conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the use of theory in PSM research 1995 to the present. This chapter provides a summary analysis of theories used in contemporary PSM studies and takes a closer look at the underutilized theories with promise in furthering PSM research. We provide an overview of these theories and offer insights as to how they can be utilized in PSM future research.