Understanding the Influence of Time Pressure and Social Ties on Public Sector Supplier Selection Decisions: A Polychronic Context Explanation

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of time pressure perception and social ties on the supplier selection decisions and performance of public firms in a typically polychronic cultural setting. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 342 senior level personnel in 40 public sector organizations in Nigeria and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. The study’s results indicate that while time pressure has no significant influence on supplier selection decision, its impact on performance is significant and negative. The results also show that social ties are significant positive predictors of supplier selection decisions, but their relationship with performance is insignificant. However, the study also found that supplier selection decisions positively influence performance, and supplier selection decisions positively mediates the relationship between social ties and perceived performance. Based on the study’s findings and conclusions, important implications for practice and suggestions for further research are discussed.