The influence of the competitive landscape on cross-functional interactions between procurement and engineering

Keywords

procurement, upplier management, cross-functional integration, case studies, Qualitative data analysis

Abstract

This study assesses the extent to which a firm's external environment shapes the cross-functional interactions between procurement and engineering, utilizing an embedded multiple-case study methodology. In summary, we found that high environmental ambiguity discourages procurement-engineering mutual understanding. High environmental uncertainty with moderate ambiguity, on the other hand, appears to foster both mutual understanding and inter-functional collaboration. Overall, procurement personnel are more optimistic than engineering personnel regarding the performance results stemming from cross-functional integration. Additionally, increasing job tenure for procurement personnel leads to a higher level of perceived integration with engineering, while engineers with longer job tenure report see less value in collaborating with procurement, often creating an asymmetric power distribution with engineering taking a dominating role.

Original Publication Citation

Ashenbaum, B., C. Wallin Blair, B. Brewer. 2020. "The influence of the competitive landscape on cross-functional interactions between procurement and engineering", Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 26(1), 1-18.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2020

Publisher

Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

Link to Full Text

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