Not quite alike: Supplier relationship management in B2B marketing and supply chain literature

Many companies implement systematic supplier relationship management (SRM) approaches. However, while scholars from different disciplines (e.g., business-to-business [B2B] marketing, supply chain management [SCM]) have examined SRM, a clear picture of which aspects have been extensively studied and which have not is lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a scoping literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis encompassing B2B marketing and SCM research. It aims to unpack the extent and nature of research activity in the fields of B2B marketing and SCM to identify key findings and areas requiring further investigation. The analysis indicates that these two perspectives exhibit some degree of overlap but also emphasize disparate foci. The literature on SRM lacks a comprehensive overview and focus on important areas, such as relationship termination and conflict management. This study highlights these “white spots” on the SRM map, encourages further investigation on them, and offers guidance for fostering more collaborative, effective, and sustainable buyer–supplier relationships. • Scoping review and bibliometric analysis of SRM research across B2Bmarketing and Supply Chain Management disciplines. • Identification of overlapping and distinct research foci within SRM across both fields. • Highlighting “white spots” in SRM literature, especially in relationship termination and conflict management areas. • Insights and guidance for future research to foster sustainable and collaborative buyer-supplier relationships.

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Publication Details

Journal
Industrial Marketing Management
Published
2025-02-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2025.02.004
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.28
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article

Not quite alike: Supplier relationship management in B2B marketing and supply chain literature

Björn Sven Ivens, Désirée A.C. Wieland
1 citations
Industrial Marketing Management
Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management
2.28
article

Not quite alike: Supplier relationship management in B2B marketing and supply chain literature

Björn Sven Ivens, Désirée A.C. Wieland
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Many companies implement systematic supplier relationship management (SRM) approaches. However, while scholars from different disciplines (e.g., business-to-business [B2B] marketing, supply chain management [SCM]) have examined SRM, a clear picture of which aspects have been extensively studied and which have not is lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a scoping literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis encompassing B2B marketing and SCM research. It aims to unpack the extent and nature of research activity in the fields of B2B marketing and SCM to identify key findings and areas requiring further investigation. The analysis indicates that these two perspectives exhibit some degree of overlap but also emphasize disparate foci. The literature on SRM lacks a comprehensive overview and focus on important areas, such as relationship termination and conflict management. This study highlights these “white spots” on the SRM map, encourages further investigation on them, and offers guidance for fostering more collaborative, effective, and sustainable buyer–supplier relationships. • Scoping review and bibliometric analysis of SRM research across B2Bmarketing and Supply Chain Management disciplines. • Identification of overlapping and distinct research foci within SRM across both fields. • Highlighting “white spots” in SRM literature, especially in relationship termination and conflict management areas. • Insights and guidance for future research to foster sustainable and collaborative buyer-supplier relationships.

Industrial Marketing ManagementVol. 126
University of Bamberg (DE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Outsourcing and Supply Chain Management
2.28
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