Drivers of geographical indication food supply chain performance: a B2B network perspective

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the role relational dynamics, grounded in the theories of social exchange and social capital, play within the context of geographic indication (GI) food supply chain network (FSCN) performance. Design/methodology/approach A total of 30 qualitative interviews were undertaken with key informant stakeholders across a variety of organizations within Turkish GI FSCNs. An open, axial and selective grounded theory coding process was used for the analysis, teasing out critical themes that underpinned the conceptual framework. Findings The findings identify the formal and informal mechanisms which govern GI FSCNs. These two forms of governance mechanisms influence network performance, which was found to comprise logistics, production, business and socio-economic performance dimensions. Transparency, GI traceability, trust and psychological contract violations were found to mediate the link between governance and network performance outcomes. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore GI FSCNs from the perspective of relationship marketing and through the lens of social exchange and social capital theory. Accordingly, both academics and practitioners can benefit from the study, as it unveils relevant relational factors underpinning such networks.

Editorial: Relational approaches to business network development: new insights and future research directions

“…As Dessaigne (2024) suggested, a relational sociological perspective can be useful for investigating these cross-cultural issues, given its attention to culturally embedded interactions and their associated symbols, schemata and emotions. Finally, several papers have also explicitly highlighted the relevance of informal networks in B2B marketing (Barry et al , 2024; Klarin and Sharmelly, 2023; Polater et al , 2024), and accordingly further research is needed in relation to better clarifying the influence of different institutional environments, interrelationships between informal and formal networks and their ongoing governance arrangements. In conclusion, these special section papers all point to global complexities and the need to consider how contextual factors challenge our assumptions around the role of relationships between organizations in business network development, therefore we hope this special section encourages further research and contemplation in this important and nascent domain of the marketing discipline.…”

“…Polater, Yumurtacı Hüseyino glu, Kingshott and Schepisdrivers of geographical indication food supply chain performance: a business-to-businesss network perspective Relational dynamics are also explored by Polater et al(2024), specifically within the context of Geographic Indication (GI) food supply chain networks (FSCN). Food supply chains are a priority for every nation, and, due to numerous recent disruptions means approaches to improving resilience and sustainability are even more critical.…”

“…Relational dynamics are also explored by Polater et al (2024), specifically within the context of Geographic Indication (GI) food supply chain networks (FSCN). Food supply chains are a priority for every nation, and, due to numerous recent disruptions means approaches to improving resilience and sustainability are even more critical.…”