Increasing preferential treatment through supplier satisfaction: the impact of social exchange theory, resource dependency theory and culture

Abstract

Where to start? My PhD journey began in August 2017 when I contacted Prof. Dr. habil. Holger Schiele with the concept of incorporating culture into the supplier satisfaction research domain. I expected to receive a rejection. The exact opposite was true, Prof. Dr. habil. Holger Schiele was enthusiastic about this concept and encouraged me to submit a proposal. Five years later, I still can't believe that I began this journey despite holding a demanding full-time position in consulting. Today, reflecting on this decision, I have no regrets. Through the doctoral programme, I have learned to be more dedicated, manage my time effectively, work diligently, be patient, and keep my head up when a storm arises. I now have the opportunity to defend my dissertation because this dissertation was enabled, supported, and influenced by numerous individuals, without whom this outcome could not have been achieved. The following lines are, therefore, dedicated to expressing gratitude to these individuals. First, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor Prof. Dr. habil. Holger Schiele.Dear Holger, thank you for believing in this concept from the beginning of my dissertation. I appreciate your support throughout this process, the countless meetings and discussions on my research topic. Thank you for allowing me to maximise my abilities and strengths in throughout this process. You were able to recognise patterns and opportunities, where others would have given up. At times I felt as if it was your guidance in difficult situations that kept me moving forward. I will forever remember the traditional Christmas dinners at your home fondly. Specifically, the most recent one where we "cooked my PhD". Thank you and your family for your hospitality. Secondly, I would like to thank my daily-supervisor, Dr. Frederik G.S. Vos. Dear Frederik, thank you for the time you invested in me. Because of you I got to use multiple communication tools such as Skype, Ms Teams and Whatsapp. If my PhD journey had taken longer, I think we would have ended up using TikTok, Snapchat and Telegram. I have benefited from your extensive research and statistical analysis expertise. Thank you for introducing me to Lavaan, which benefitted me not only in my PhD journey but also in my current position. I have always valued II our conversations because they motivated me and calmed me in stressful situations. I appreciate your assistance, support, and willingness to always lend an ear.