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Journal ArticleDOI

A framework for performance evaluation of channel partners in distribution relationships

TL;DR: The authors developed the measurement scale by the three-stage protocol and established the scale’s reliability, factor structure and validity through the data collected from 252 firm-channel partner dyads across automobile firms in India.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for performance evaluation of channel partners in distribution relationships and develop a scale to measure the proposed dimensions of performance. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed framework is built on the theoretical foundations of salesforce control systems and organizational performance. The authors developed the measurement scale by the three-stage protocol and established the scale’s reliability, factor structure and validity through the data collected from 252 firm-channel partner dyads across automobile firms in India. Findings – The proposed framework highlights three distinct dimensions of channel partners’ performance, i.e. output performance, the financial/other objective results; activity performance, the activities, behavior and process-compliance levels; and capability performance, the resources and capabilities of channel partners. An 18-item measurement scale is developed to measure the three proposed dimensions of channel partners’ performance. Research limitations/implications – The proposed framework conceptualizes the three key dimensions of channel partners’ performance that can assist firms in exercising a focussed approach to performance management in distribution channel relationships and other inter-firm contexts. This study contributes to the legitimacy and further development of research in the area. Practical implications – The measurement scale provides valid and reliable items for a rigorous performance analyses of channel partners, both at the individual level as well as at the level of the distribution channel as a whole. These performance analyses have multiple applications, right from managing the day-to-day channel activities to steering the channel strategy. Originality/value – The paper presents a multidimensional conceptual framework for performance evaluation of channel partners and provides a suitable instrument for operationalizing future empirical research in the area.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a nuanced framework for evaluating a channel partner's performance in distribution channel relationships, where the latent change score (LCS) model within SEM framework provides mean paired-differences of the relevance ratings for each metrics.
Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a nuanced framework for evaluating a channel partner’s performance in distribution channel relationships. Given a channel partner’s task environment characteristics (high/low munificence, dynamism and complexity), the study examines which performance metrics (output, activity or capability) are most relevant for evaluating its performance levels effectively. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts self-administered cross-sectional survey-based research design. Matched data were collected from 252 channel partners – manager relationship dyads. The latent change score (LCS) model within SEM framework provides mean paired-differences of the relevance ratings for each metrics. This was used to assess the empirical validity of the hypothesized relationships. Findings The study demonstrates the importance of calibrating performance evaluation metrics to a channel partner’s task environment state, made possible by its holistic approach to performance evaluation. Based on an extensive analysis, it shows that no single metric is relevant within all environmental states; rather, it could be dysfunctional, a result that differs from vast majority of the literature. Research limitations/implications Investigates individual linkages between task environment dimensions and performance metrics to provide a fuller understanding of these relationships. Also provides a theoretical framework to support further research on the topic. Practical implications The study provides managerial guidelines (and extensive graphical analysis) for nuanced and dynamic evaluation of channel partners’ performance that can enable firms to identify and promote their most valuable channel partners and prevent the deterioration of others. Originality/value First one to develop and empirically validate a nuanced framework for evaluating performance of exchange partners that operate under diverse task environment states.

6 citations

01 Jan 2019
Abstract: Small Construction Business Owners’ Strategies for Employee Retention by Charles H. Griner, Jr. MS, Troy University, 2006 BBA, University of Mississippi, 1991 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University November 2019 Abstract Thirty-four percent of people in the United States of America work for businesses that employ fewer than 100 people. However, many small business owners lack the strategies necessary to retain their valuable employees. Businesses that fail to retain valuable employees are as much as 28% less efficient. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small construction business owners use to retain their valuable employees. Contingency theory provided the conceptual framework. The participants were three owners of three small businesses in the construction industry located in Mississippi which implemented successful policies and procedures to retain their employees. The data sources for this study were semistructured interviews, financial statements, newspaper articles, websites, and social media. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three themes morphed to include challenging employees and reward them accordingly, mitigating unplanned turnover, and treating employees and others fairly. Potential implications for positive social change are that increased profits among small business owners may enable them to provide better benefits and pay and incentive increases to their employees. Small business owners with increased profits may also be better equipped to participate in community-based charitable organizations.Thirty-four percent of people in the United States of America work for businesses that employ fewer than 100 people. However, many small business owners lack the strategies necessary to retain their valuable employees. Businesses that fail to retain valuable employees are as much as 28% less efficient. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies small construction business owners use to retain their valuable employees. Contingency theory provided the conceptual framework. The participants were three owners of three small businesses in the construction industry located in Mississippi which implemented successful policies and procedures to retain their employees. The data sources for this study were semistructured interviews, financial statements, newspaper articles, websites, and social media. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three themes morphed to include challenging employees and reward them accordingly, mitigating unplanned turnover, and treating employees and others fairly. Potential implications for positive social change are that increased profits among small business owners may enable them to provide better benefits and pay and incentive increases to their employees. Small business owners with increased profits may also be better equipped to participate in community-based charitable organizations. Small Construction Business Owners’ Strategies for Employee Retention by Charles H. Griner, Jr. MS, Troy University, 2006 BBA, University of Mississippi, 1991 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this study to my mother, Brenda Morris Griner. She provided encouragement and served as an example of what one can accomplish with hard work and persistence. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Kenneth Gossett, for being patient with me while I was being impatient. I would also like to thank the faculty, staff, and my fellow students for all of their input and guidance along the way.

3 citations


Cites background from "A framework for performance evaluat..."

  • ...A resource that companies depend upon is a distribution channel to market and sell their products and services to the end-users (Goyal & Mishra, 2016)....

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TL;DR: In this article , a brick-and-click prioritization tool is proposed to assist retailers in the transition from a multi-channel to an omni-channel strategy, where the authors identify the importance of optimizing online channel sales concentration and focus.

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References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review and integrate various theoretical perspectives, normative statements, and pieces of empirical evidence about the organizational structures and processes best suited for implement implementation of software systems.
Abstract: The authors review and integrate various theoretical perspectives, normative statements, and pieces of empirical evidence about the organizational structures and processes best suited for implement...

895 citations

Book
01 Jan 1990
TL;DR: Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Scientists is designed as a non-technical guide, ignoring the traditional formulaic methods and introducing students to the most widely used computer package for analysing quantitative data.
Abstract: From the Publisher: Most introductions to the techniques of statistical analysis concentrate on the often complex statistical formulae involved. Many students find these formulae extremely daunting, yet in practice computers are increasingly used to perform the same calculations in seconds. Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Scientists is designed as a non-technical guide, ignoring the traditional formulaic methods and introducing students to the most widely used computer package for analysing quantitative data. This is the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), whose most recently released versions (for both mainframe computers and IBM-compatible personal computers) are here employed. The authors have assumed no previous familiarity with either statistics or computing, and take the reader step-by-step through each of the techniques for which SPSS can be used. Each technique is illustrated by sets of data through which the reader can work, and tested again at the end of each chapter. Answers to the exercises are provided at the end of the book. Designed specifically for social scientists, the book will be essential reading for psychology, sociology, social policy and history students following courses in statistics, data analysis or research methods.

877 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present and test a fit-as-moderation model that posits that overall firm performance is influenced by how well the marketing organization's structural characteristics and strategic behavioral emphases (i.e., customer, competitor, innovation, and cost control) complement alternative business strategies.
Abstract: Adopting a contingency perspective, the authors present and test a fit-as-moderation model that posits that overall firm performance is influenced by how well the marketing organization's structural characteristics (i.e., formalization, centralization, and specialization) and strategic behavioral emphases (i.e., customer, competitor, innovation, and cost control) complement alternative business strategies (i.e., prospector, analyzer, low-cost defender, and differentiated defender). Responses from 228 senior marketing managers provide support for the model and demonstrate that each strategy type requires different combinations of marketing organization structures and strategic behaviors for success.

857 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a new theoretical model, the theory of trying, in which computer learning is conceptualized as a goal determined by three attitude components: attitude toward success, attitude toward failure, and attitude toward the process of goal pursuit.
Abstract: Beliefs, attitudes, and intentions are important factors in the adoption of computer technologies. While contemporary representations have focused on explaining the act of using computers, the role of learning to use the computer needs to be better understood within the overall adoption process. Inadequate learning can curtail the adoption and use of a potentially productive system. We introduce a new theoretical model, the theory of trying, in which computer learning is conceptualized as a goal determined by three attitude components: attitude toward success, attitude toward failure, and attitude toward the process of goal pursuit. Intentions to try and actual trying are the theoretical mechanisms linking these goal-directed attitudes to goal attainment. An empirical study is conducted to ascertain the construct validity and utility of the new theory within the context of the adoption of a word processing package. Specifically, we examine convergent validity, internal consistency reliability, stability, ...

850 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of coercive and non-coercive power sources in marketing channels have been investigated, and the particular effects of power sources that have been exercised, as o...
Abstract: Though considerable research has been reported on the effects of coercive and noncoercive power sources in marketing channels, the particular effects of power sources that have been exercised, as o...

830 citations