Abstract
This study adopts a power perspective to explore sustainable supply chain relationships and specifically uses Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) to critically analyse buyer-supplier relationships. In addition, further empirical evidence is provided extending the RDT model in this context. The concept of buyer-supplier power is explored through a qualitative study of a multinational FMCG company and agricultural growers, in the UK food industry, who work together to implement sustainable practices. The study highlights that dependence is relevant to understanding compliance in sustainable supply chains. We also show how power influences players and the sharing of sustainability-related risks and value. From a managerial perspective, the study contributes to developing a better understanding of what constitute more effective ways to manage imbalanced buyer-supplier relationships to achieve sustainability goals.References
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Amaeshi, K. M., Osuji, O. K., & Nnodim, P. 2008. Corporate Social Responsibility in Supply Chains of Global Brands: A Boundaryless Responsibility? Clarifications, Exceptions and Implications. Journal of Business Ethics, 81(1): 223-234.
Belaya, V., Gagalyuk, T., & Hanf, J. 2009. Measuring Asymmetrical Power Distribution in Supply Chain Networks: What Is the Appropriate Method? Journal of Relationship Marketing, 8(2): 165-193.
Brammer, S., Hoejmose, S., & Millington, A. 2012. Managing sustainable global supply chains: Framework and best practices. In NBS (Ed.). London, Canada: NBS.
Burgess, K., Singh, P. J., & Koroglu, R. 2006. Supply chain management: a structured literature review and implications for future research. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 26(7): 703-729.
Carter, C. R., & Rogers, D. S. 2008. A framework of sustainable supply chain management: moving toward new theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 38(5): 360-387.
Casciaro, T., & Piskorski, M. J. 2005. Power Imbalance, Mutual Dependence and Constraint Absorption: A Closer Look at Resource Dependence Theory. Administrative Science Quarterly, 50: 167-199.
Chicksand, D. 2009. Creating a sustainable UK farming and food industry: An analysis of partnership thinking as a solution to the problems in the UK farming and food industry., University
of Birmingham, Birmingham.
Chicksand, D., Ramsay, J., & Rehme, J. 2011. Sharing value in business relationships: a theoretical model. Paper presented at the IPSERA, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Ciliberti, F., Pontrandolfo, P., & Scozzi, B. 2008. Investigating corporate social responsibility in supply chains: a SME perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1579-1588.
Cousins, P. 2002. A conceptual model for managing long-term inter-organisational relationships. European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 8: 71-82.
Cox, A. 2004a. The art of the possible: relationship management in power regimes and supply chains. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 9(5): 346-356.
Cox, A. 2004b. Business relationship alignment: on the commensurability of value capture and mutuality in buyer and supplier exchange. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 9(5): 410-420.
Cox, A., & Chicksand, D. 2007. The power regime perspective: power and business choices in food and farming supply chains. Management Online Review.
Cox, A., Chicksand, D., & Palmer, M. 2007. Stairways to heaven or treadmills to oblivion? Creating sustainable strategies in UK farming and red meat supply chains. British Food Journal, 9.
Cox, A., Ireland, P., Lonsdlale, C., & Watson, G. 2002. Supply chains, markets and power: Mapping buyer and supplier power regimes. London: Routledge.
Eisenhardt, K. M., & Graebner, M. E. 2007. Theory building from cases: opportunities and challenges. Academy of Management Journal, 50(1): 25-32.
Fabbe-Costes, N., Roussat, C., & Colin, J. 2011. Future sustainable supply chains: what should companies scan? International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management,41(3): 228-252.
Fearne, A., Duffy, R., & Hornibrook, S. 2005. Justice in UK supermarket buyer-supplier relationships: an empirical analysis. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management,
33(8): 570-582.
Foerstl, K., Reuter, C., Hartmann, E., & Blome, C. 2010. Managing supplier sustainability risks in a dynamically changing environment—Sustainable supplier management in the
chemical industry. Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 16(2): 118-130.
Frazier, G. L. 1999. Organizing and Managing Channels of Distribution. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 27(2): 226-240.
Gereffi, G. 1994. Capitalism, development and global commodity chain. In L. Sklair (Ed.), Capitalism and Development: 211-231. London: Routledge.
Gilham, B. 2005. Research interviewing: the range of techniques. New York: OUP. Gold, S., Seuring, S., & Beske, P. 2010. Sustainable supply chain management and interorganizational
resources: a literature review. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 17(4): 230-245.
Hall, J. 2001. Environmental Supply-Chain Innovation. Greener Management International (35): 105.
Hall, J., & Matos, S. 2010. Incorporating impoverished communities in sustainable supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 40(1/2):
124-147.
Hingley, M. 2005. Power imbalanced relationships: cases from UK fresh food supply. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 33(8): 551-569.
Hingley, M., & Lindgreen, A. 2010. Living with power imbalance in the food supply chain. In C. Mena, & G. Stevens (Eds.), Delivering Performance in Food Supply Chains. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing.
Hoyt, J., & Huq, F. 2000. From arms-length to collaborative relationships in the supply chain: An evolutionary process. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics
Management, 30(9).
Ireland, R., & Webb, J. 2007. A multi-theoretic perspective on trust and power in strategic supply chains. Journal of Operations Management, 25(2): 482-497.
Kaufmann, L., & Denk, N. 2011. How to demonstrate rigor when presenting grounded theory research in the supply chain management literature. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 47(4): 64-72.
Krause, D. R., Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. D. 2009. Special topic forum on sustainable supply chain management: Introduction and reflections on the role of purchasing management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 45(4): 18-25.
Kumar, N., Scheer, L. K., & Steenkamps, J. B. E. 1995. The effects of perceived interdependence on dealer attitudes. Journal of Marketing Research, 32: 348-356.
Lee, S.-Y. 2008. Drivers for the participation of small and medium-sized suppliers in green supply chain initiatives. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 13(3): 185-198.
Lee, S.-Y., & Klassen, R. D. 2008. Drivers and Enablers That Foster Environmental Management Capabilities in Small- and Medium-Sized Suppliers in Supply Chains. Production and Operations Management, 17(6): 573-586.
Lukes, S. 1974. Power: A radical view. Harmondsworth: Macmillan.
Maloni, M. J., & Brown, M. E. 2006. Corporate Social Responsibility in the Supply Chain: An Application in the Food Industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 68(1): 35-52.
Markley, M. J., & Davis, L. 2007. Exploring future competitive advantage through sustainable supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 37(9): 763-774.
Matopoulos, A., Vlachopoulou, M., Manthou, V., & Manos, B. 2007. A conceptual framework for supply chain collaboration: empirical evidence from the agri-food industry. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(3): 177-186.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. 1994. Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Milne, M. J., Kearins, K., & Walton, S. 2006. Creating Adventures in Wonderland: The Journey Metaphor and Environmental Sustainability. Organization, 13(6): 801-839.
Mollenkopf, D., Stolze, H., Tate, W. L., & Ueltschy, M. 2010. Green, lean, and global supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 40(1/2): 14-41
Oliver, C. 1990. Determinants of interorganizational relationships: Integration and future directions. Academy of Management Review, 15(2): 241-265.
Pagell, M., Krumwiede, D. W., & Sheu, C. 2007. Efficacy of environmental and supplier relationship investments moderating effects of external environment. International Journal of Production Research, 45(9): 2005-2028.
Paulraj, A., & Chen, I. J. 2007. Environmental Uncertainty and Strategic Supply Management: A Resource Dependence Perspective and Performance Implications. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 43(3): 29-42.
Pedersen, E. R. 2009. The many and the few: rounding up the SMEs that manage CSR in the supply chain. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 14(2): 109-116.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. 1978. The external control of organizations: a resource dependence perspective. New York: Harper & Row.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. 2003. The external control of organizations: a resource dependence perspective. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Ramsay, J. 1996. Power measurement. European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 2(2/3): 129-143.
Russo, A., & Perrini, F. 2010. Investigating Stakeholder Theory and Social Capital: CSR in Large Firms and SMEs. Journal of Business Ethics, 91(2): 207-221.
Seuring, S., & Müller, M. 2008. From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1699-1710.
Seuring, S., Sarkis, J., Müller, M., & Rao, P. 2008. Sustainability and supply chain management–An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16: 1545-1551.
Shah, S. K., & Corley, K. G. 2006. Building better theory by bridging the quantitativequalitative divide. Journal of Management Studies, 43(8): 1821-1835.
Simpson, D. F., & Power, D. J. 2005. Use the supply relationship to develop lean and green suppliers. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 10(1): 60-68.
Singh, P. J., Power, D., & Chuong, S. C. 2011. A resource dependence theory perspective of ISO 9000 in managing organizational environment. Journal of Operations Management,
29(1-2): 49-64.
Spekman, R. E., Kamauff Jr, J. W., & Myhr, N. 1998. An empirical investigation into supply chain management: A perspective on partnerships. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 28(8): 630-650.
Spence, L., & Bourlakis, M. 2009. The evolution from corporate social responsibility to supply chain responsibility: the case of Waitrose. Supply Chain Management, 14(4): 291-302.
Thompson, J., & Scoones, I. 2009. Addressing the dynamics of agri-food systems: an emerging agenda for social science research. Environmental Science & Policy, 12(4): 386-397.
National Journal of Production Economics, 111(2): 299-315.
Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. 2008. Environmental management and manufacturing performance: The role of collaboration in the supply chain. InterVachon, S., & Klassen, R. D.
2007. Supply chain management and environmental technologies: the role of integration.
International Journal of Production Research, 45(2): 401-423.
Verghese, K., & Lewis, H. 2007. Environmental innovation in industrial packaging: a supply chain approach. International Journal of Production Research, 45(18/19): 4381-4401.
Walker, H., & Preuss, L. 2008. Fostering sustainability through sourcing from small businesses: public sector perspectives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1600-1609.
Wolters, T. 2003. Transforming international product chains into sustainable production: The imperative of sustainable chain management. Greener Management International, 43: 6-13.
Yin, R. K. 2003. Case study research: Designs and methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Zhu, Q., Sarkis, J., Lai, K.-h., &
Geng, Y. 2008. The role of organizational size in the adoption of green supply chain management practices in China. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 15(6): 322-337
Amaeshi, K. M., Osuji, O. K., & Nnodim, P. 2008. Corporate Social Responsibility in Supply Chains of Global Brands: A Boundaryless Responsibility? Clarifications, Exceptions and Implications. Journal of Business Ethics, 81(1): 223-234.
Belaya, V., Gagalyuk, T., & Hanf, J. 2009. Measuring Asymmetrical Power Distribution in Supply Chain Networks: What Is the Appropriate Method? Journal of Relationship Marketing, 8(2): 165-193.
Brammer, S., Hoejmose, S., & Millington, A. 2012. Managing sustainable global supply chains: Framework and best practices. In NBS (Ed.). London, Canada: NBS.
Burgess, K., Singh, P. J., & Koroglu, R. 2006. Supply chain management: a structured literature review and implications for future research. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 26(7): 703-729.
Carter, C. R., & Rogers, D. S. 2008. A framework of sustainable supply chain management: moving toward new theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 38(5): 360-387.
Casciaro, T., & Piskorski, M. J. 2005. Power Imbalance, Mutual Dependence and Constraint Absorption: A Closer Look at Resource Dependence Theory. Administrative Science Quarterly, 50: 167-199.
Chicksand, D. 2009. Creating a sustainable UK farming and food industry: An analysis of partnership thinking as a solution to the problems in the UK farming and food industry., University
of Birmingham, Birmingham.
Chicksand, D., Ramsay, J., & Rehme, J. 2011. Sharing value in business relationships: a theoretical model. Paper presented at the IPSERA, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Ciliberti, F., Pontrandolfo, P., & Scozzi, B. 2008. Investigating corporate social responsibility in supply chains: a SME perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1579-1588.
Cousins, P. 2002. A conceptual model for managing long-term inter-organisational relationships. European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 8: 71-82.
Cox, A. 2004a. The art of the possible: relationship management in power regimes and supply chains. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 9(5): 346-356.
Cox, A. 2004b. Business relationship alignment: on the commensurability of value capture and mutuality in buyer and supplier exchange. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 9(5): 410-420.
Cox, A., & Chicksand, D. 2007. The power regime perspective: power and business choices in food and farming supply chains. Management Online Review.
Cox, A., Chicksand, D., & Palmer, M. 2007. Stairways to heaven or treadmills to oblivion? Creating sustainable strategies in UK farming and red meat supply chains. British Food Journal, 9.
Cox, A., Ireland, P., Lonsdlale, C., & Watson, G. 2002. Supply chains, markets and power: Mapping buyer and supplier power regimes. London: Routledge.
Eisenhardt, K. M., & Graebner, M. E. 2007. Theory building from cases: opportunities and challenges. Academy of Management Journal, 50(1): 25-32.
Fabbe-Costes, N., Roussat, C., & Colin, J. 2011. Future sustainable supply chains: what should companies scan? International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management,41(3): 228-252.
Fearne, A., Duffy, R., & Hornibrook, S. 2005. Justice in UK supermarket buyer-supplier relationships: an empirical analysis. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management,
33(8): 570-582.
Foerstl, K., Reuter, C., Hartmann, E., & Blome, C. 2010. Managing supplier sustainability risks in a dynamically changing environment—Sustainable supplier management in the
chemical industry. Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management, 16(2): 118-130.
Frazier, G. L. 1999. Organizing and Managing Channels of Distribution. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 27(2): 226-240.
Gereffi, G. 1994. Capitalism, development and global commodity chain. In L. Sklair (Ed.), Capitalism and Development: 211-231. London: Routledge.
Gilham, B. 2005. Research interviewing: the range of techniques. New York: OUP. Gold, S., Seuring, S., & Beske, P. 2010. Sustainable supply chain management and interorganizational
resources: a literature review. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 17(4): 230-245.
Hall, J. 2001. Environmental Supply-Chain Innovation. Greener Management International (35): 105.
Hall, J., & Matos, S. 2010. Incorporating impoverished communities in sustainable supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 40(1/2):
124-147.
Hingley, M. 2005. Power imbalanced relationships: cases from UK fresh food supply. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 33(8): 551-569.
Hingley, M., & Lindgreen, A. 2010. Living with power imbalance in the food supply chain. In C. Mena, & G. Stevens (Eds.), Delivering Performance in Food Supply Chains. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing.
Hoyt, J., & Huq, F. 2000. From arms-length to collaborative relationships in the supply chain: An evolutionary process. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics
Management, 30(9).
Ireland, R., & Webb, J. 2007. A multi-theoretic perspective on trust and power in strategic supply chains. Journal of Operations Management, 25(2): 482-497.
Kaufmann, L., & Denk, N. 2011. How to demonstrate rigor when presenting grounded theory research in the supply chain management literature. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 47(4): 64-72.
Krause, D. R., Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. D. 2009. Special topic forum on sustainable supply chain management: Introduction and reflections on the role of purchasing management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 45(4): 18-25.
Kumar, N., Scheer, L. K., & Steenkamps, J. B. E. 1995. The effects of perceived interdependence on dealer attitudes. Journal of Marketing Research, 32: 348-356.
Lee, S.-Y. 2008. Drivers for the participation of small and medium-sized suppliers in green supply chain initiatives. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 13(3): 185-198.
Lee, S.-Y., & Klassen, R. D. 2008. Drivers and Enablers That Foster Environmental Management Capabilities in Small- and Medium-Sized Suppliers in Supply Chains. Production and Operations Management, 17(6): 573-586.
Lukes, S. 1974. Power: A radical view. Harmondsworth: Macmillan.
Maloni, M. J., & Brown, M. E. 2006. Corporate Social Responsibility in the Supply Chain: An Application in the Food Industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 68(1): 35-52.
Markley, M. J., & Davis, L. 2007. Exploring future competitive advantage through sustainable supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 37(9): 763-774.
Matopoulos, A., Vlachopoulou, M., Manthou, V., & Manos, B. 2007. A conceptual framework for supply chain collaboration: empirical evidence from the agri-food industry. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(3): 177-186.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. 1994. Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
Milne, M. J., Kearins, K., & Walton, S. 2006. Creating Adventures in Wonderland: The Journey Metaphor and Environmental Sustainability. Organization, 13(6): 801-839.
Mollenkopf, D., Stolze, H., Tate, W. L., & Ueltschy, M. 2010. Green, lean, and global supply chains. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 40(1/2): 14-41
Oliver, C. 1990. Determinants of interorganizational relationships: Integration and future directions. Academy of Management Review, 15(2): 241-265.
Pagell, M., Krumwiede, D. W., & Sheu, C. 2007. Efficacy of environmental and supplier relationship investments moderating effects of external environment. International Journal of Production Research, 45(9): 2005-2028.
Paulraj, A., & Chen, I. J. 2007. Environmental Uncertainty and Strategic Supply Management: A Resource Dependence Perspective and Performance Implications. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 43(3): 29-42.
Pedersen, E. R. 2009. The many and the few: rounding up the SMEs that manage CSR in the supply chain. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 14(2): 109-116.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. 1978. The external control of organizations: a resource dependence perspective. New York: Harper & Row.
Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. 2003. The external control of organizations: a resource dependence perspective. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Ramsay, J. 1996. Power measurement. European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 2(2/3): 129-143.
Russo, A., & Perrini, F. 2010. Investigating Stakeholder Theory and Social Capital: CSR in Large Firms and SMEs. Journal of Business Ethics, 91(2): 207-221.
Seuring, S., & Müller, M. 2008. From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1699-1710.
Seuring, S., Sarkis, J., Müller, M., & Rao, P. 2008. Sustainability and supply chain management–An introduction to the special issue. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16: 1545-1551.
Shah, S. K., & Corley, K. G. 2006. Building better theory by bridging the quantitativequalitative divide. Journal of Management Studies, 43(8): 1821-1835.
Simpson, D. F., & Power, D. J. 2005. Use the supply relationship to develop lean and green suppliers. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 10(1): 60-68.
Singh, P. J., Power, D., & Chuong, S. C. 2011. A resource dependence theory perspective of ISO 9000 in managing organizational environment. Journal of Operations Management,
29(1-2): 49-64.
Spekman, R. E., Kamauff Jr, J. W., & Myhr, N. 1998. An empirical investigation into supply chain management: A perspective on partnerships. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 28(8): 630-650.
Spence, L., & Bourlakis, M. 2009. The evolution from corporate social responsibility to supply chain responsibility: the case of Waitrose. Supply Chain Management, 14(4): 291-302.
Thompson, J., & Scoones, I. 2009. Addressing the dynamics of agri-food systems: an emerging agenda for social science research. Environmental Science & Policy, 12(4): 386-397.
National Journal of Production Economics, 111(2): 299-315.
Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. 2008. Environmental management and manufacturing performance: The role of collaboration in the supply chain. InterVachon, S., & Klassen, R. D.
2007. Supply chain management and environmental technologies: the role of integration.
International Journal of Production Research, 45(2): 401-423.
Verghese, K., & Lewis, H. 2007. Environmental innovation in industrial packaging: a supply chain approach. International Journal of Production Research, 45(18/19): 4381-4401.
Walker, H., & Preuss, L. 2008. Fostering sustainability through sourcing from small businesses: public sector perspectives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15): 1600-1609.
Wolters, T. 2003. Transforming international product chains into sustainable production: The imperative of sustainable chain management. Greener Management International, 43: 6-13.
Yin, R. K. 2003. Case study research: Designs and methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Zhu, Q., Sarkis, J., Lai, K.-h., &
Geng, Y. 2008. The role of organizational size in the adoption of green supply chain management practices in China. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 15(6): 322-337
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