An Empirical Analysis of the Buyer’s Perspective of Gaining Competitive Advantage through Supplier Development

Abstract

This study analyzes how buyer firm’s supplier development efforts can help achieve buyer’s competitive advantage. The main goal of this analysis is to understand how various supplier development efforts could impact the operational performance of a buyer. The study used the survey responses from consumer electronic businesses in Karachi. The study developed a model and used these responses to test hypothesized relationships among various dimensions of supplier development and buyer’s competitive advantage. The study found that the two most significant factors affecting competitive advantage and operational performance of buyer were joint actions and trust. The study provides important implications regarding supplier development and buyer competitive advantage for both supply chain managers and academicians.