Outcomes of supply chain dependence asymmetry: a systematic review of the statistical evidence

This literature review scrutinises 41 quantitative studies dealing with dependence asymmetry in supply chains. Strategically, behaviours ranging from exploitation to win-win problem solving can arise. Five research questions are explored. The systematic literature review method and a content analysis was applied to articles from premier journals in operations management and supply chain management. We found the number of studies markedly rose over the past 15 years. Five outcome categories (i.e. performance, relationship characteristics, practice and process, information sharing, and innovation) and three subcategories (i.e. supplier, customer and partner dependence) were identified that encompass each of the sample studies. The most commonly used theories proved to be resource dependence theory and transaction cost theory. We examined whether dependence asymmetry resulted in overall benefits or detriments. There were largely positive significant results in performance, practice and process, and information sharing. The results in relationship characteristics and innovation were mixed. The overall picture was more complex than the stronger firm simply taking advantage of the weaker firm.

Automated summary

This literature review examined 41 quantitative studies on dependence asymmetry in supply chains, revealing key research questions. It was found that the number of related studies significantly increased over the past 15 years, and the results of whether dependence asymmetry leads to overall benefits or detriments were more complex than expected.