The antecedents of successful buyer–supplier relationships in strategic networks of the Hong Kong clothing industry

Abstract

There has long been a research interest in dyadic business relationships. However, the antecedents of strategic networks have not yet been fully understood, especially within contexts that are indiscernible and capricious with respect to competitive and cooperative interaction. Building on the previous strategic network studies, this paper focuses on the antecedents of collaborations between the Asian manufacturers and their suppliers within a strategic network. In-depth interviews were conducted, and qualitative data were collected from senior executives at five well-known Hong Kong clothing companies. Based on these interviews, we developed a conceptual framework that included eight antecedents that are applicable to successful networks for the Hong Kong clothing industry. Finally, implications for managerial practice emphasize how to develop a successful strategic network, along with its antecedents.

Keywords:

• Strategic network
• buyer–supplier relationship
• clothing industry
• Hong Kong