I Made Sukresna, John Hamilton and Singwhat Tee
Paired channel relationship constructs are used to conjointly compare the perspectives of Indonesian manufacturers and their connecting distributors when engaging and relating…
Abstract
Purpose
Paired channel relationship constructs are used to conjointly compare the perspectives of Indonesian manufacturers and their connecting distributors when engaging and relating across each shared marketing channel. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize long-term orientation (LTO) and role-performance as joint drivers that positively influence dependence, satisfaction, and trust constructs for each manufacturer and distributor domain.
Design/methodology/approach
A structural equation modelling-comparative model is developed, tested, and validated for the Indonesian manufacturing sector. The sample size is 140 pairs of medium-to-large-sized manufacturers and their connecting distributors. The respondent is individual who is responsible and knowledgeable in dealing with his/her company’s manufacturer or distributor.
Findings
Both the manufacturer-distributor LTO and their role-performance jointly drive the outcomes of the shared marketing channel relationship, and both parties’ behaving similarly (except for the influence of their role-performance onto their partner’s satisfaction).
Research limitations/implications
This study have not investigated possible two-way interactions between constructs across the channel. Combined, paired, manufacturer and distributor dataset questions can expose the connectivities relationships between the partners. The insignificant influence of role-performance on economic satisfaction within the manufacturer domain requires further research on the possible presence of mediating construct(s) between those constructs, and on the broadening of the definition of satisfaction. Past channel research revealed that trust interacts with satisfaction, yet this study does not find significant interactions between the outcomes constructs.
Practical implications
In Indonesia each marketing channel’s manufacturer and distributor management team should jointly enhance both their shared long-term relationship, and their respective role-performance. This long-term view is implementable through long-term marketing channel contracts.
Originality/value
This study contributes to marketing channel theory with the LTO and the role-performance of a channel partner jointly driving the other partner’s economic satisfaction, trust, and their dependence specifically within the Indonesian context. The benchmarking of a marketing channel’s performance within a trusting and satisfying channel relationship sets the framework for the development of future optimization studies (of at least the five connectivities constructs used herein).
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Abdel Hafiez Ali Hasaballah, Omer Faruk Genc, Osman Bin Mohamad and Zafar U. Ahmed
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influences of relational variables on export performance and the interactions among relational variables in the emerging market context…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influences of relational variables on export performance and the interactions among relational variables in the emerging market context of Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mail questionnaire sent to Malaysian companies that export to Arab-speaking countries and achieved a response rate of 27.92 percent, resulting in a sample of 106 exporters.
Findings
The results of the path analyses indicate a positive impact of relational variables (adaptation, cooperation and communication) on export performance. However, the authors found that the impact was mediated by trust and commitment, rather than being direct.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that the impact of relational variables on export performance is complex and indirect. Mediators and moderators play important roles in this relationship.
Practical implications
Firms should invest in export relationships with the aim of building trust and commitment, which are the primary factors that affect export performance.
Originality/value
The authors have shed light on the way relational variables affect export performance. Moreover, this study contributes to a better understanding of small emerging markets, which are poorly represented in studies in this field.
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This paper aims to examine the impact of goal compatibility on value co-creation in a retailer–manufacturer outsourcing relationship. This paper also examines whether power…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of goal compatibility on value co-creation in a retailer–manufacturer outsourcing relationship. This paper also examines whether power balance, information symmetry and duration of engagement influence the above causal relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a structured questionnaire to test the relationship between goal compatibility and value co-creation through power balance and information symmetry, along with the moderating role of duration of the engagement. The instrument was administered to 230 top and senior management representatives from manufacturing firms located in 11 major Indian industrial cities.
Findings
Goal compatibility is significantly related to value co-creation. The results had also shown that power balance and information symmetry mediated the relationship between goal compatibility and value co-creation.
Research limitations/implications
Future researchers should examine these complex phenomena across more diverse industries and settings to enhance generalizability. Data should be gathered from both side of the channel dyad. Data should be also collected longitudinally to extend the current cross-sectional design.
Practical implications
Understanding the association between goal compatibility and value co-creation, with mediating and moderating factors can provide useful information to strengthen the inter-organizational relationship with maximizing mutual benefits.
Originality value
This research offers new insights into the links between goal compatibility and value co-creation. The retailers engaged in outsourcing can use these value drivers to understand their manufacturer and their respective priorities for value co-creation.
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Shihyu Chou, Chi-Wen Chen and Ya-Ting Kuo
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between competitive capabilities, including flexibility and collaboration between logistics service providers (LSPs) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between competitive capabilities, including flexibility and collaboration between logistics service providers (LSPs) and their customers, and relationship quality, as measured by trust, dependence and commitment.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 309 logistics managers were invited to participate in this study and structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the measurement and structural models.
Findings
The results show that both flexibility and collaboration positively influence trust and dependence. Moreover, dependence does not appear to influence commitment. Finally, the authors hypothesize and find that trust plays an important role in the research model and positively increase commitment.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is that this study used a cross-sectional survey approach to collect data on all research variables. Compared with longitudinal data, cross-sectional data might not be able to demonstrate completely the temporal sequence of the antecedents and consequences, which might result in spurious cause-effect inferences.
Practical implications
The findings offer several important implications for LSPs. First, the findings imply that LSPs need to make their customers want to share useful information related to operations and logistics. Second, flexibility plays an important role in forming customers’ trust in logistics service industry.
Originality/value
Little research has been done on combining a resource-based view (RBV) and relationship marketing (RM) together in logistics service context. Therefore, this study advances the RBV and RM and adds value to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of the observed relationships among LSPs.
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Amalia E. Maulana, Julio Adisantoso and Bobie Hartanto
This study aims to present the path-to-purchase of omni micro-resellers in affordable fashion shopping centers and differentiates them from the existing knowledge of end-user’s…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present the path-to-purchase of omni micro-resellers in affordable fashion shopping centers and differentiates them from the existing knowledge of end-user’s purchase journey. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the omnichannel readiness for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) merchants to provide a seamless experience for the micro-resellers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted an ethnographic approach to gain deep insights into the unexplored omni journey of micro-resellers, using multiple techniques and respondent types in various locations.
Findings
Findings reveal that the journey of omni micro-reseller is not the same as the end-user's purchase journey. The new value needed in every path-to-purchase is an essential knowledge that helps MSE merchants in serving micro-resellers. MSE merchants' readiness is assessed by their ability to provide the best customer experience for their buyers, consisting of six omnichannel experience dimensions: researching, purchase-payment, shipping, omnichannel testing, return goods experience and relationship building.
Research limitations/implications
Using the Engel-Kollat-Blackwell (EKB) decision-making model, this study develops the path-to-purchase of omnichannel micro-resellers. The new readiness dimensions developed in this study are set as a potential measurement tool.
Practical implications
It provides new insights to benefit MSE merchants and the institutions responsible for enhancing merchant quality.
Originality/value
This study focuses on micro-resellers in the MSEs environment, the prominent buyers of affordable fashion in developing countries, which is a novelty of the study. Moreover, unlike previous studies that have focused on large and medium merchants, this study concentrates on MSE merchants. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to highlight ways to measure MSE merchants omnichannel readiness.
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Sustainability research has become important than ever, due to the visible effects of business operations on the environment, and the increasing green consciousness among the…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainability research has become important than ever, due to the visible effects of business operations on the environment, and the increasing green consciousness among the various stakeholder groups. These stakeholder groups mount pressure on organizations, to inculcate sustainable practices in their operations. In light of the stakeholder-resource-based view, this paper aims to examine the direct effect of stakeholder pressure on sustainability information disclosures. The mediation effect of perceived benefits in the nexus amidst stakeholder pressure and sustainability information disclosures was also assessed. Lastly, the paper assessed the moderation effect of sustainability knowledge in the nexus between perceived benefits and sustainability information disclosures.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is quantitative in nature. Structured questionnaire was deployed as the data collection tool. Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana formed the population. Data set from 258 Ghanaian small and medium enterprises was analyzed by the use of structural equation modeling.
Findings
Contrary to expectation, the study revealed that the effect of stakeholder pressure on sustainability information disclosures is positive, but statistically insignificant. The nexus between stakeholder pressure and sustainability information disclosures was revealed to be fully mediated by perceived benefits. Lastly, sustainability knowledge was revealed to positively moderate the relationship amidst perceived benefits and sustainability information disclosures.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to sustainability literature by demonstrating how stakeholder pressure influences sustainability information disclosures in the context of small and medium enterprises in an emerging economy.
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Anna Frieda Rosin, Stephan Stubner, Sushil S. Chaurasia and Surabhi Verma
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of retailers’ organizational controls and controls of their boundary personnel on manufacturers’ outsourcing performance. It…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of retailers’ organizational controls and controls of their boundary personnel on manufacturers’ outsourcing performance. It further assesses the moderating impact of information symmetry in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 230 Indian apparel manufacturers engaged in outsourcing activities with two international retailers. Organizational control is scrutinized as formal and informal controls, and outsourcing performance is studied in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. The partial least squares approach is used to test the proposed research model.
Findings
First, the retailers’ and the boundary person’s formal controls have a direct, positive effect on outsourcing efficiency. Second, although no significant effect of the boundary person’s formal controls on outsourcing effectiveness is identified, a significant effect of retailers’ formal controls on effectiveness is seen. Third, the boundary person’s informal controls are associated with a decrease in efficiency, whereas they have a positive effect on effectiveness. Fourth, although the retailers’ informal controls enhance outsourcing effectiveness, they negatively affect efficiency. Fifth, information symmetry is statistically significant in enhancing outsourcing efficiency and effectiveness.
Practical implications
The results have important implications for retailers and retailers’ boundary persons who are keen to improve their relations with manufacturers. This paper offers practical insights into the ways that manufacturers, boundary personnel and retailers can exercise control mechanisms in order to achieve effective and efficient outsourcing outcomes.
Originality/value
The effect of organizational control and information symmetry on outsourcing performance in typical outsourcing practices in manufacturer‒retailer relationships is shown.
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Anand Thakur, Neha Prakash and Muthubasin PK
The purpose of the present study is to explore the factors affecting young consumers’ purchase intention towards organic food products (OFPs) and gain a comprehensive…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is to explore the factors affecting young consumers’ purchase intention towards organic food products (OFPs) and gain a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that influence how consumers perceive and respond to organic food. Therefore, this study frames and validates the measurement scale to examine the factors that may impact purchase intention among young consumers in India.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to frame and validate the measurement scale for this investigation, sophisticated statistical procedures such as exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and other statistical measures utilizing SPSS v.26 and AMOS v.24 were used. This study utilized 307 samples to investigate.
Findings
The main findings of the study show that Indian consumers' intent to buy organic food items is strongly associated with factors such as “warm glow”, “cultural values”, “environmental cognition”, “natural experience”, “food safety concern”, “self-identity” and “environmental ethics”. These factors explained 69.14% of the overall variance in research variables.
Practical implications
The present offers a novel measurement mechanism for exploring the green consumer behaviour. By applying it in real-world settings, marketers will gain insights and develop more effective, targeted strategies to promote OFPs among young Indian consumers.
Originality/value
The study brings together a diverse set of antecedents that have not been collectively analysed in the context of consumer purchase intention for OFPs. The emphasis on environmental ethics, green self-identity and related constructs aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainability.
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Weihua Liu, Di Wang, Xuan Zhao, Cheng Si and Ou Tang
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future development of the logistics industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts the multi-case study method based on a sample of four Chinese logistics enterprises, in which the authors consider the logistics service maturity (LSM), a distinct characteristic of logistics enterprises.
Findings
NLSPD is directly related to the degree of supply–demand matching (SDM) and LSM. Customer demand, service capability and peer competition influence the performance of NLSPD through the SDM degree, whereas LSM moderates these influencing mechanisms. Moreover, the degree of SDM has a positive impact on LSM.
Practical implications
The findings can help the managers of logistics enterprises and practitioners in the logistics industry understand the complexity of NLSPD. First, they should broaden and deepen their service offering to enhance the degree of LSM. Second, they should pay attention to the factors that affect SDM systematically. Finally, it is vital to balance the relationship between LSM and SDM.
Originality/value
NLSPD has become an important tool affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of logistics service enterprises. This is the first paper to propose a theoretical framework for NLSPD that considers the characteristic of the logistics industry. It clarifies the mechanisms of influencing factors, and contributes to the literature by filling the research gap.
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Naveen Donthu, Satish Kumar, Nitesh Pandey and Gunjan Soni
This study provides a retrospect of Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics (APJML) for the 27-year period between 1993 and 2019.
Abstract
Purpose
This study provides a retrospect of Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics (APJML) for the 27-year period between 1993 and 2019.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses the Scopus database to identify the most-cited APJML articles and most prolific authors, institutions and countries in APJML between 1993 and 2019. The study uses bibliometric indicators as well as tools such as bibliographic coupling and science mapping, to analyze the publication and citation structure of APJML. The study provides a temporal analysis of APJML publishing across different periods.
Findings
APJML's publication has grown at an average rate of 17% per year, while its citations have grown at an impressive rate of 60%. The contributors to the journal come mainly from the Asia Pacific region, which is not surprising given the journal's scope of publication. Bibliographic coupling of articles reveals that the journal has focused mostly on issues related to market orientation, advertising, marketing research, consumer behavior, customer service, marketing in the digital environment and consumer ethnocentrism. Quantitative research in marketing and consumer ethnocentrism is among the emerging themes in the journal and would benefit from more exploration from scholars.
Research limitations/implications
This study uses data from the Scopus database, whose limitations have implications for the findings. For example, data for the journal's first five issues are not available on Scopus and therefore are not included in the analysis.
Originality/value
This study provides the first overview of APJML's publication and citation trends as well as its thematic structure.