“Pharma’s secret weapon”: unleashing supply chain potential through supplier relationship management practices

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Date

2025

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Emerald Publishing

Abstract

Purpose: The study explored how supplier evaluation, selection, development and segmentation affect supply chain performance in pharmaceutical organizations. It also determined the moderating influence of top management support on the link between supply chain performance and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach: The research philosophy of this study was positivism, leading to the adoption of a quantitative research method. Empirical data were gathered from a significant sample of supply chain experts at leading pharmaceutical companies in South Africa. Data collection scales were derived from existing studies. The collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings: The results confirmed the validity of the proposed model, which is based on selected criteria (latent variables). This study emphasizes the crucial influence of supplier evaluation, selection, development and segmentation on supply chain performance in pharmaceutical organizations. The research shows a positive correlation between supply chain performance and organizational performance, with top management support playing a moderating role. Originality/value: The study’s originality and value stem from its thorough examination of how supplier relationship management practices affect supply chain performance and organizational performance in the pharmaceutical industry of South Africa. Furthermore, the research adds to the current body of knowledge by considering the moderating influence of top management support on the link between supply chain performance and organizational performance. These findings offer valuable insights for academics and industry professionals in the realm of supply chain management. © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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Keywords

Organizational performance, Resource-based view, Social exchange theory, Supplier relationship, Supply chain performance

Citation

Mafanele, P., Maziriri, E.T., Masakale, A.M. and Mabuyana, B., 2025. “Pharma’s secret weapon”: unleashing supply chain potential through supplier relationship management practices. Benchmarking: An International Journal.