The Importance of Trust in Procurement Practices and Its Impact on Business Performance: An Empirical Investigation From the Perspective of the Buyer–Supplier Dyad

Abstract

This article investigates the importance of trust in procurement practices and its impact on business performance from the perspective of the buyer–supplier dyad within Zimbabwe's banking industry. This study was exploratory in nature and adopted the use of a case study methodology. The study involved 22 cases in the banking industry, with a total of 44 interviews being conducted. Findings revealed that 29 dimensions across 7 trust attributes in buyer–supplier procurement practices had an impact on business performance for firms in Zimbabwe's banking industry.

KEYWORDS:

• banking
• business to business
• buyer–supplier procurement
• relationships
• trust theory
• Zimbabwe