Drivers of virtual interfirm integration and its impact on performance in international customer-supplier relationships

Kim, Daekwan; Jean, Ruey-Jer; Sinkovics, Rudolf R.

Abstract

Consensus exists suggesting that advances in information and communication technologies are a major driver in restructuring Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and their cross-border supply chain activities. However, the role of virtual interfirm integration and its antecedents, contingency conditions and its association with performance in international exchange relationship is not clearly specified. This study proposes that virtual interfirm integration can serve as an alternative governance mechanism for suppliers. Thus, we examine its drivers, moderators, and performance outcomes in international exchange relationships in the context of suppliers and their MNE customers. The empirical context is a study of 240 Taiwanese-based electronics equipment manufacturers. We explore the effect of communication culture, internal, inter-organizational, and environmental dimensions on virtual interfirm integration, and supplier performance in international exchange. We conclude by sharing our findings on the pertinence of virtual interfirm integration in the supplier-MNE buyer relationships.

Citation

Kim, D., Jean, R.-J., & Sinkovics, R. R. (2018). Drivers of virtual interfirm integration and its impact on performance in international customer-supplier relationships. Management International Review, 58(3), 495-522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-018-0344-4

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 5, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Deposit Date: Sep 12, 2024
• Journal: Management International Review
• Print ISSN: 0938-8249
• Electronic ISSN: 1861-8901
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 58
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 495-522
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11575-018-0344-4
• Keywords: Information technology (IT), global supply chain, virtual integration, Multinational enterprise (MNE), communication culture, buyer-supplier relationship,
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2773165