Supply chain relationships and information capabilities: The creation and use of information power

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present a framework depicting the development of information power‐based relationships between firms, and to describe the effect of information power on long‐term relationships between supply chain partners.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper combines literature from the field of information sciences regarding information integration with literature addressing traditional power relationships to develop a set of propositions describing how interfirm relationships evolve.

Findings

The conceptual framework introduced indicates that information can be utilized as a coercive and non‐coercive power base in supply chain relationships.

Practical implications

The need for information may result in a firm utilizing either coercive or non‐coercive power as a means of obtaining it. This research provides interesting findings about the use of information, as a power base, and its role in interfirm relationships.

Originality/value

This paper combines literature from various fields to develop a needed conceptual model of information power roles within supply chain relationships.

Citation

Williams, Z. and Moore, R. (2007), "Supply chain relationships and information capabilities: The creation and use of information power", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 37 No. 6, pp. 469-483. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030710763387