An exploratory study of fairness perceptions in supply chain relationships

Abstract

This paper examines the factors that influence the perception of fairness in supply chain relationships, how fairness perceptions influence supply chain collaborative activities, and how the perception difference can be reduced between supply chain partners. The data was conducted in the form of interviews with supply chain managers as key informants in some UK firms. Findings show that the notion of fairness is a very ‘sensitive’ subject that many firms elude from, but largely impacts on an organization’s behaviour towards its partners. Firms are also urged to implement processes that will increase the mutual perception of fairness.