Favor Reciprocity, Innovation, and Inefficiency: The Double-edged Sword of Business-to-Business Wasta Relations
Files
(Accepted version)
Date
2022
Authors
AlHussainan, O.
Guo, Y.
Rammal, H.G.
Tang, R.
Golgeci, I.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 2022; 38(5):1203-1214
Statement of Responsibility
Omar AlHussainan, Ying Guo, Hussain Gulzar Rammal, Ryan W. Tang, Ismail Golgeci
Conference Name
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the dark side of business-to-business (B2B) relationships in traditional business practices worldwide that rely on strong networks. Design/methodology/approach – This study applies a questionnaire survey to collect data from buyers in 224 Kuwaiti firms and uses the partial least squares structural equation model for data analysis. Findings – Drawing on the social exchange theory, we test the relationships between B2B wasta, relationship satisfaction, innovation and efficiency. The findings show that despite the belief that wasta brings long-term benefits when applied in B2B relationships, it negatively impacts the firm’s efficiency. Originality/value – This study contributes to the existing literature on B2B relationships by identifying important issues related to the multifaceted nature of B2B wasta relationships. The study confirms the importance of relational and innovation benefits over economic consequences based on elements of social exchange theory, which extends our current understanding of the application of SET in B2B wasta relationships.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Published 21 March 2023
Access Status
Rights
© Emerald Publishing Limited