A contingency model of quality management and business-to-business relationships

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute to, and link the areas of quality management and business-to-business relationships. To date, there has been limited empirical work at the interface of these areas. Accordingly, this study proposes and tests an integrated model based on both research areas. In doing so, we seek to address the following research question: what is the relationship between quality practices, quality performance and business-to-business relationships? To address this question, we develop a conceptual model, which draws on the contingency approach to research that is common in the strategy literature. We then test model with data collected from suppliers in the electronics sector in the Republic of Ireland. Data analysis of the data indicated considerable support for the conceptual model. We conclude with some reflections of the implications of our findings for both theory and practice.