A case of trust‐building in the supply chain: Emerging economies perspective

Abstract

The paper explores the process of trust‐building between SMEs' supply chain partners in turbulent times in emerging economies. It focuses on the role of environmental information exchange in strengthening relationships and improving responsiveness to overcome uncertainty while understanding and adapting to the changing environmental realities. A case study strategy of an SME in Argentina was conducted to obtain insights regarding the experiences, perceptions and opinions about how achieving trust acts as an instrument of partners' support during an uncertain time. A series of semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Argentina and China to collect empirical data. Data were analyzed to understand partners' mutual support and the emergence of trust. The importance of supply chain partnership is that partners go to the market together, meaning that there are more opportunities to benefit from for each partner. The results demonstrate that it is incorrect to assume that an SME can prosper alone in an unknown landscape. However, because of their responsiveness and experience in operating in a turbulent working environment, decision‐makers rapidly develop skills to adapt to uncertainty. Information sharing is at the core of establishing successful long‐term relationships, overcoming uncertainties while transforming them into opportunities.

The influence of trust for sustainable agri-food production: empirical evidence of a mariculturist supply chain in Southern Brazil

“…A characteristic of this scenario is that trust develops over time, requires consistency, and significantly predicts chain actors' supply chain governance choices, agreeing with Aggarwal and Srivastava (2016), Manfredini and Capik (2022), Love et al. (2020), and Dlamini-Mazibuko et al.…”

“…The study by Ervasti et al (2019), for example, shows that when analysing the levels of trust in Greece in the period from 2002 to 2011, during a severe socio-economic crisis, interpersonal trust increased, to the surprise of the authors. Along the same line, Manfredi and Capik (2022) concluded that trust is built in response to the uncertainty of a business environment.…”

“…When partners find a way to understand and recognise the positive side of complexity, there are more opportunities in the sense of pounding and resource sharing. However, achieving this collaborative environment requires confidence and commitment (Manfredi and Capik, 2022). Although dependence on customers/suppliers has no direct effect on supply chain integration (SCI), it improves SCI indirectly through trust with customers/ suppliers.…”

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“…Interpersonal trust acknowledges individual interdependence while relying on conduct. However, expectations are more important to interorganizational trust than commitments and agreements made in commercial dealings with the intention of lowering risk [34]. Numerous elements influence trust, including the competence, skill, and reputation of trustees, and the emotions, experience, and cognition of trustors [35].…”

Use of Blockchain Technology to Manage the Supply Chains: Comparison of Perspectives between Technology Providers and Early Industry Adopters

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