Relationship Appraisal: A route to improved reseller channel performance

Abstract This study reports on research conducted within the computer hardware market into the development of a manufacturer/distributor relationship appraisal process. Criteria for the appraisal are identified from both parties, along with their views on such a process being introduced. Conclusions are drawn that provide valuable guidelines for organizations considering following this particular route with their distributors. A brief overview of the relevant literature related to manufacturer/distributor relationships is also provided for contextual rigor.

[1]  Michael Etgar,et al.  Selection of an Effective Channel Control Mix , 1978 .

[2]  David Shipley,et al.  Selection and motivation of distribution intermediaries , 1984 .

[3]  Rolph E. Anderson,et al.  Channel management and sales management: Some key interfaces , 1985 .

[4]  E. Corey,et al.  Industrial Marketing: Cases and Concepts , 1976 .

[5]  Kenneth L. Bernhardt,et al.  Comments on Christian Grönroos' Strategic management and marketing in the service sector , 1984 .

[6]  Gul T. Butaney,et al.  Distributor Power versus Manufacturer Power: The Customer Role , 1988 .

[7]  G. Lilien,et al.  Marketing Decision Making: A Model Building Approach , 1984 .

[8]  Larry J. Rosenberg,et al.  Toward the Analysis of Conflict in Distribution Channels: A Descriptive Model , 1970 .

[9]  Allan J. Magrath,et al.  Ten ways for manufacturers to improve distribution management , 1988 .

[10]  Louis W. Stern,et al.  Management in marketing channels , 1989 .

[11]  B. Lewis,et al.  Defining and Measuring the Quality of Customer Service , 1990 .

[12]  Frederick E. Webster Perceptions of the industrial distributor , 1975 .

[13]  John F. Magee,et al.  Physical Distribution Systems , 1967 .

[14]  M. d'Amico,et al.  Products and markets served by distributors and agents , 1989 .

[15]  James A. Narus,et al.  Turn Your Industrial Distributors into Partners , 1986 .

[16]  Martin Christopher,et al.  Relationship Marketing: Bringing Quality, Customer Service and Marketing Together , 1993 .

[17]  Bert Rosenbloom,et al.  Conflict and Channel Efficiency: Some Conceptual Models for the Decision Maker , 1973 .

[18]  Peter Doyle,et al.  CHANNEL OPTIMIZATION IN COMPLEX MARKETING SYSTEMS , 1979 .

[19]  Keith Blois,et al.  Industrial Distributors and Small Manufacturers , 1989 .

[20]  Edward N. Timmerman An Approach to Vendor Performance Evaluation , 1986 .

[21]  Michael Etgar Intrachannel Conflict and Use of Power , 1978 .

[22]  Gilbert A. Churchill,et al.  An Investigation into the Determinants of Customer Satisfaction , 1982 .

[23]  Michael Etgar,et al.  Selection of an Effective Channel Control Mix , 1978 .

[24]  T. Powers Industrial distribution options: Trade-offs to consider , 1989 .

[25]  Frank V. Cespedes Control vs. resources in channel design: Distribution differences in one industry , 1988 .

[26]  Lonnie L. Ostrom,et al.  Supplier evaluation as a new marketing tool , 1979 .

[27]  David Shipley,et al.  What British distributors dislike about manufacturers , 1987 .

[28]  J. F. Gaski The Theory of Power and Conflict in Channels of Distribution , 1984 .

[29]  Larry C. Giunipero,et al.  Motivating and Monitoring JIT Supplier Performance , 1990 .

[30]  Ruth N. Bolton,et al.  A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Service Changes on Customer Attitudes , 1991 .

[31]  R. Lusch Sources of Power: Their Impact on Intrachannel Conflict , 1976 .

[32]  Lawrence A. Crosby,et al.  Relationship Quality in Services Selling: An Interpersonal Influence Perspective: , 1990 .

[33]  James A. Narus,et al.  Key problems facing industrial distributors , 1984 .

[34]  F. Webster The Role of the Industrial Distributor in Marketing Strategy , 1976 .

[35]  S. Helper How much has realliy changed between U.S. automakers and their suppliers , 1991 .

[36]  Gary L. Frazier,et al.  An Attitude-Behavior Framework for Distribution Channel Management , 1985 .

[37]  Shelby D. Hunt,et al.  Behavioral dimensions of channels of distribution: Review and synthesis , 1985 .

[38]  Frank V. Cespedes Channel Management is General Management , 1988 .

[39]  Michael Levy Customer Service: A Managerial Approach to Controlling Marketing Channel Conflict , 1981 .

[40]  Bruce E. Mallen,et al.  Functional Spin-Off: A Key to Anticipating Change in Distribution Structure , 1973 .

[41]  A. J. Magrath,et al.  Factory salesmen's roles with industrial distributors , 1987 .

[42]  Allan J. Magrath,et al.  A Strategic Paradigm for Predicting Manufacturer‐Reseller Conflict , 1989 .

[43]  A. Zoltners,et al.  The channel intermediary selection decision: a model and an application , 1986 .