The Causal Structure of Long-Term Supply Relationships

1 Introduction.- 1.1 Scope and Purpose.- 1.2 Overview of Theory.- 1.3 Overview of Empirical Results.- 2 Theoretical Background.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Transaction Cost Economics.- 2.3 Limitations of Transaction Cost Economics.- 2.4 Competencies.- 2.5 Relational Features.- 2.5.1 Commitment.- 2.5.2 Trust.- 2.6 Conclusions.- 3 The Theoretical Model.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Definitions and Related Research.- 3.3 The Theoretical Model.- 3.3.1 Asset Specificity.- 3.3.2 Uncertainty.- 3.3.3 Value of the Partner.- 3.3.4 Commitment.- 3.3.5 Trust.- 3.4 Conclusions.- 4 Methods and Data.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 A LISREL Approach.- 4.2.1 Models, Methods and Matrices.- 4.2.2 Model-Fit and Model-Modification.- 4.3 The Samples.- 4.4 Operationalization.- 4.5 Conclusions.- 5 Empirical Results.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 The United States.- 5.2.1 Measurement Models.- 5.2.2 Testing the Hypotheses and Model-Fit.- 5.3 Japan.- 5.3.1 Measurement Models.- 5.3.2 Testing the Hypotheses and Model-Fit.- 5.4 Europe.- 5.4.1 Measurement Models.- 5.4.2 Testing the Hypotheses and Model-Fit.- 5.5 Conclusions.- 6 An International Comparison.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 The Convergence of Long-Term Supply Relationships.- 6.2.1 A First Perspective on the Convergence.- 6.2.2 The United States versus Japan.- 6.2.3 The United States versus Europe.- 6.2.4 Japan versus Europe.- 6.3 The Third Way.- 6.4 Causal Loops.- 6.5 Conclusions.- 6.5.1 Point of Departure.- 6.5.2 Convergence within the Triad.- 6.5.3 Explaining the Convergence.- 6.5.4 Limitations and Further Research.- Appendix A Constructs, Items And Scales.