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The influence of guanxi on physical distribution service quality availability in e-commerce sourcing fashion garments from China

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  • Towers, Neil
  • Xu, Kiki

Abstract

The purpose was to investigate the influence of guanxi (personal relationships) on availability within physical distribution service quality (PDSQ) for sourcing high street fashion garments from China via e-commerce. The research reviewed articles on guanxi and although it is still widely considered important its contribution and nature appears to be changing as Chinese business practises and sourcing policy have matured over time. Qualitative research was used in two Chinese based case study companies with detailed access through semi structured face-to-face and telephone interviews. The findings suggest that personal relationships through guanxi can facilitate e-commerce availability of fashion product, particularly where there is limited lead time in the sourcing activity, although its form and application in each case study company and their respective supply network was not as widespread as had been previously reported. The form of guanxi was observed as personal relationships but some aspects of co-operative relationships were also found. Since the paper is based on a phenomenological ontology the findings are largely exploratory. Future research should focus on understanding physical distribution service quality and personal relationships in other sectors. Guanxi by definition is an unstructured array of socially-based relationships without a simplistic rationale or logic. By understanding how guanxi is applied in a supply chain management context will aid those practitioners involved in an e-commerce Chinese business practise.

Suggested Citation

  • Towers, Neil & Xu, Kiki, 2016. "The influence of guanxi on physical distribution service quality availability in e-commerce sourcing fashion garments from China," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 126-136.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joreco:v:28:y:2016:i:c:p:126-136
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2015.09.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Yongzhong Wu & Yikuan Lu & Simin Huang, 2022. "Impacts of Delivery Charge on the Possibility of Consumers Using Online Food Delivery," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-21, February.
    6. Al-Adwan, Ahmad Samed & Al-Debei, Mutaz M. & Dwivedi, Yogesh K., 2022. "E-commerce in high uncertainty avoidance cultures: The driving forces of repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    7. Jain, Nikunj Kumar & Gajjar, Hasmukh & Shah, Bhavin J., 2021. "Electronic logistics service quality and repurchase intention in e-tailing: Catalytic role of shopping satisfaction, payment options, gender and returning experience," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    8. Pantano, Eleonora & Priporas, Constantinos-Vasilios & Viassone, Milena & Migliano, Giuseppe, 2020. "Does the stakeholder engagement result in new drinks? Evidence from family owned SMEs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 185-194.
    9. Rupam Chowdhury, 2023. "Impact of perceived convenience, service quality and security on consumers’ behavioural intention towards online food delivery services: the role of attitude as mediator," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 1-23, January.

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