Abstract
<p>The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of asymmetry in international supply chain relationships and investigate how small exporter firms manage these asymmetric relationships. Prior studies have conceptualized asymmetry as a relationship attribute and concentrated on causal effects of asymmetry in supplier-buyer relationships by highlighting the extensive amount of reasons why asymmetry occurs in dyadic relationships. However, those extensive reasons intent to articulate why asymmetry occurs in relationships, have not provided enough in-depth to understand the complexity of asymmetry in international supply chain relationships, therefore, this study aims to explore the concept of asymmetry by focusing on structure and exercise rather than simply discovering reasons. This research explores the four distinguishable types of relational asymmetry between exporters and importers suggest different implications for international supply chain relationships. As opposed to the existing literature, which has considered and largely agreed that asymmetry is related to a negative connotation, this research suggests that different types of asymmetries also have a positive relational outcome for small export firms. This exploratory paper provides managers with additional insight into the types of asymmetry in international supply chain relationships and suggests that asymmetric relationships must be examined carefully in order to overcome difficulties that distract long-term relationships.</p>
Highlights
Managing supply chain relationships continue to be challenging for firms as they have to work with other companies from different cultures and organisational structures
The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of asymmetry in international supply chain relationships and investigate how small exporter firms manage these asymmetric relationships
Those extensive reasons intent to articulate why asymmetry occurs in relationships, have not provided enough in-depth to understand the complexity of asymmetry in international supply chain relationships, this study aims to explore the concept of asymmetry by focusing on structure and exercise rather than discovering reasons
Summary
Managing supply chain relationships continue to be challenging for firms as they have to work with other companies from different cultures and organisational structures. Increasing pressure of relationships becomes more evident when the companies offer products and services to please their partners This may involve changing work routines, adaptation, information exchange, cost adjustment and managerial and strategic objectives. The existence of asymmetry in dyadic relationships limits the ability of a partner to achieve its own objectives fully, and the stronger party will have more benefit from asymmetric relationships while the weaker party is pushed to be more committed (Johnsen & Ford, 2002) Such relationships become more prevalent in international supplier-buyer relationships; small export firms may be controlled and limited by power asymmetry in relationships when they enter international exchanges. A greater number of small firms involve international exchange relationships through asymmetric relationships with strong importers reflecting on the rapid increase of world export volumes that have been well documented by (WTO Secretariat, 2011)
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.
