Article
Strategic supplier partnering: a psychological contract perspective
Strategic supplier partnering (SSP) represents an increasingly popular way for buyers and sellers to do business. Defined as a co-operative and collaborative way in which buying and supplying firms interact to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, these relationships position participants to be more competitive in the marketplace. This concept has become increasingly popular in purchasing and logistics, as firms outsource logistics and develop closer working relationships with suppliers and logistics service providers. SSPs do represent a departure from traditional adversarial or arm’s length relationships. These relationships create a whole different way of interacting with a new set of norms, expectations and goals.