Factors contributing to successful supplier client collaboration in South African companies

Abstract

The objective of this report was gain a better understanding of the factors that support and enable a collaborative effort in South African companies. The benefits from collaborate are significant and the findings could enable companies to attain these benefits. The predominant area of focus was four research questions dealing with both relationships and selection factors, these focussed on complexity, trust, culture and the impact of selection criteria. The research collected, via survey, data from 34 respondents. This data was then statistically analysed both descriptively and through the use of multivariate analysis. The outcome provided insight into both the factors and the relationship between these factors that has bearing on the research questions From the data a model was constructed of the findings with a potential process that could be followed by companies entering into a collaborative effort. The model is contained in Figure 6 Collaborative framework. The report concludes with both highlighted implications, recommendations and focus areas as well as recommendations for further research.