Corporate Identity, Ethics and Reputation in Supplier-Buyer Relationships

Author(s)

Michael T. Bendixen, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Russell Abratt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

ORCID

Michael T. Bendixen 0000-0003-0010-3854

Rusell Abratt 0000-0002-5385-0936

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Business Ethics

ISSN

0167-4544

Publication Date

2007

Abstract/Excerpt

Multi-national corporations (MNCs) have been criticised for not behaving ethically in some situations, which could have a negative effect on their reputation. This study examines the ethics of a large MNC in its relationship with its suppliers. A brief literature review of corporate identity, business ethics and buyer–supplier relationships is undertaken. The views and perceptions of the buying staff and the suppliers to a large South African MNC are obtained and discussed. The results indicate that this MNC has a good corporate reputation among both its suppliers (an important stakeholder) and its own buying department. The existence and implementation of formal codes of ethics was found to be a necessary, but not sufficient condition for good ethical practice. Candid relationships with suppliers emerged as a second and important factor. Ethical perceptions of buyers by suppliers are driven by the management of corporate identity, through the elements of ethical standards and candid relationships.

We present a model of corporate identity/reputation in Buyer–Supplier Relationships.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9273-4

Volume

76

Issue

1

First Page

69

Last Page

82

NSUWorks Citation

Bendixen, Michael T. and Abratt, Russell, "Corporate Identity, Ethics and Reputation in Supplier-Buyer Relationships" (2007). HCBE Faculty Articles. 712.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcbe_facarticles/712