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Justice in UK Supermarket Buyer-Supplier Relationships

Hornibrook, Susan A., Duffy, Rachel, Fearne, Andrew (2005) Justice in UK Supermarket Buyer-Supplier Relationships. International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management, 33 (8). pp. 570-582. ISSN 0959-0552. (doi:10.1108/09590550510608377) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:11414)

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Official URL:
https://doi.org/10.1108/09590550510608377

Abstract

Purpose of the Paper To explore the nature and scope of good and bad practice in the relationships that UK supermarkets have with their suppliers of own-label products in the main commodity sectors (meat, dairy, fresh produce)

Design/Methodology/Approach The paper presents the results of a postal survey of supermarket suppliers, which formed part of a wider study of corporate social responsibility in UK supermarket supply chains

Findings The results demonstrate the heterogeneity in relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers of own-label products in the main commodity sectors the extent to which retail and supply chain strategy is likely to influence the way in which supermarkets deal with suppliers. Best practice was most evident in the two supermarket supply chains where supply base rationalisation has virtually ceased and the adoption of lead suppliers and sole suppliers has been most evident in recent years.

Research Limitations/Implications Postal survey limited to suppliers in three commodity sectors, where buyer power is greatest. Would expect different results for relationships with branded suppliers.

Practical Implications With supermarkets coming under increasing scrutiny over the way they treat suppliers, the conceptual framework and survey instrument represent an mechanism for independent assessment of supply chain relationships in sensitive markets, which could be used constructively to encourage the more widespread adoption of good practice and the elimination of bad practice in supermarket relationships.

What is Original/Value of

Paper This paper presents the results of the first attempt anywhere to empirically measure fairness in relationships between supermarkets and their suppliers. Further research is necessary but the results of our early work are extremely encouraging.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/09590550510608377
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business
Depositing User: Sue Hornibrook
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2008 14:01 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:50 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/11414 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Hornibrook, Susan A..

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Duffy, Rachel.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9192-9370
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Fearne, Andrew.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:
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