文章基本信息

标题：Opportunism control in exchange relationships:lessons from the French logistics industry
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作者：Aline Boissinot ; Gilles Paché
期刊名称：Problems and Perspectives in Management
印刷版ISSN：1727-7051
电子版ISSN：1810-5467
出版年度：2011
卷号：9
期号：1
页码：71-77
语种：English
出版社：LLC "CPC "Business Perspectives"
摘要：Over the last few years,manufacturers have progressively abandoned the management of logistical operations to entrust it to the third party logistics (3PL),most efficiently structured on the basis of global distribution networks.Working with 3PL requires implementing a suitable governance to monitor relationships and also to ensure a protection against partners’ opportunistic behaviors.A literature review is offered to determine the different strategies developed by companies to control partners’ opportunistic behaviors in exchange relationships.Formal and informal control mechanisms are reviewed to determine their usefulness in relationships.Then three case studies are conducted in the French logistics industry as this sector is at the origin of many logistical tools and innovations.The most paradoxical finding is the tolerance shown by supply chain members to a moderate level of opportunism.The importance of interpersonal relationships (social ties) – considered to reduce opportunism – is also observed and emphasizes the power of embeddedness in social networks.The three case studies point out that tolerance of a moderate level of opportunism from the partners’ part is undoubtedly a desirable option for top management.Opportunism control is expensive,it is therefore necessary to question the relevance of the application of formal or informal mechanisms of governance in exchange relationships.The original idea of a moderate level of opportunism which can be considered as acceptable represents a major novelty in supply chain management.
关键词：Over the last few years,manufacturers have progressively abandoned the management of logistical operations to entrust it to the third party logistics (3PL),most efficiently structured on the basis of global distribution networks.Working with 3PL requires implementing a suitable governance to monitor relationships and also to ensure a protection against partners’ opportunistic behaviors.A literature review is offered to determine the different strategies developed by companies to control partners’ opportunistic behaviors in exchange relationships.Formal and informal control mechanisms are reviewed to determine their usefulness in relationships.Then three case studies are conducted in the French logistics industry as this sector is at the origin of many logistical tools and innovations.The most paradoxical finding is the tolerance shown by supply chain members to a moderate level of opportunism.The importance of interpersonal relationships (social ties) – considered to reduce opportunism – is also observed and emphasizes the power of embeddedness in social networks.The three case studies point out that tolerance of a moderate level of opportunism from the partners’ part is undoubtedly a desirable option for top management.Opportunism control is expensive,it is therefore necessary to question the relevance of the application of formal or informal mechanisms of governance in exchange relationships.The original idea of a moderate level of opportunism which can be considered as acceptable represents a major novelty in supply chain management.