The primary purpose of this article is to expand our understanding of the dependence and reciprocal action constructs in distribution channel relationships. The authors develop a conceptual framework for channel relationships involving the exchange of industrial products within sellers' markets in developing countries. The framework is tested with data collected in the tungsten carbide tool industry in India. Results are generally supportive of the conceptual framework and illustrate the need to (1) take the channel context into account in developing channel theory and (2) perform empirical studies in a wide variety of channel settings.
The study investigates how Japanese distributors of U.S. manufactured consumer products perceive the exercise of power sources by both themselves and their U.S. suppliers in the across-culture distribution channel. The mediated and nonmediated bases of power found in domestic relationships were not replicated in Japanese distributors’ perceptions. Results indicate a factor structure based on nurturing and authoritative bases of power. The Japanese also react to the exercise of power sources in a slightly different manner than Western channel participants.
The Relationships between Salesperson’ Customer Empathy, Adaptive Selling and Performance in Distribution Channel Relationships: Salesperson's Perspective
