International Purchasing Alliances: An Empirical Study

In this exploration of formal international purchasing alliances, a broad overview of why firms become involved in international purchasing alliances is developed. Then, using a data base developed based on formalized international alliance activity reported in The Wall Street Journal, characteristics of international alliances are explored. The research also uses exploratory case studies to corroborate and develop a deeper understanding of international purchasing alliances. Implications of international alliance involvement for the purchasing function are also discussed.