Development of a Service Quality Scale for Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

Abstract

Purpose – To develop a scale for the measurement of service quality in pharmaceutical supply chains. Methodology / approach - 413 pharmaceutical retailers working in the 2 biggest cities of Pakistan responded to a survey. Confirmatory factor analysis developed a valid and reliable service quality measurement scale with 4 dimensions and 10 items. Findings - Findings of this research are consistent with other service quality studies. There is no universal set of dimensions and items that determine service quality across a section of service industries. Service quality measurement must be adapted to fit the context. Research limitations / implications – Convenience sampling was undertaken for this research. This research contributes to the measurement of service quality by developing a valid and reliable measurement scale in a previously ignored sector. Practical implications – The scale developed in this research can be used by pharmaceutical distribution companies in Pakistan to measure, control and improve the service quality provided to pharmaceutical retailers. Originality / value - This research provides framework to researchers to build up more pharmaceutical supply chains service quality scale development studies in similar situations so that more concrete generalizations can be made.