Outcomes of supply chain dependence asymmetry: a systematic review of the statistical evidence

Abstract

This literature review scrutinises 41 quantitative studies dealing with dependence asymmetry in supply chains. Strategically, behaviours ranging from exploitation to win-win problem solving can arise. Five research questions are explored. The systematic literature review method and a content analysis was applied to articles from premier journals in operations management and supply chain management. We found the number of studies markedly rose over the past 15 years. Five outcome categories (i.e. performance, relationship characteristics, practice and process, information sharing, and innovation) and three subcategories (i.e. supplier, customer and partner dependence) were identified that encompass each of the sample studies. The most commonly used theories proved to be resource dependence theory and transaction cost theory. We examined whether dependence asymmetry resulted in overall benefits or detriments. There were largely positive significant results in performance, practice and process, and information sharing. The results in relationship characteristics and innovation were mixed. The overall picture was more complex than the stronger firm simply taking advantage of the weaker firm.

KEYWORDS:

• Dependence
• asymmetry
• outcome
• strategy
• supply chain

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Coggin College of Business Endowed Professorship Fund.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Coggin College of Business Endowed Professorship Fund.

Notes on contributors

Dong-Young Kim

Dong-Young Kim is a Coggin Endowed Strategic Professor and Professor of Operations Management and Quantitative Methods in the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida. He received a PhD in Operations Management from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University. His research interests include Supplier Dependence, Supply Chain Networks, Disaster Management, and Innovation.

Bruce Fortado

Bruce Fortado is a Professor of Human Resource Management, Negotiation and Labor Relations in the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida. He received a PhD in Management from the Weatherhead School of Business at Case Western Reserve University. His research interests include Power Asymmetries, Human Relations, Organization Culture, Subcultures, Informal Organization and Social Control.