Integrating the SRM and Lean Paradigms: The Constructs and Measurements

Abstract

Through integrating the supplier relationship management (SRM) and lean paradigms, this paper develops the concept of lean supplier relationship management (LSRM) and examines its relationship with firm performance (FP). The LSRM practices are identified and mapped into: supply flexibility, just-in-time delivery, information integration, and supplier partnership. The developed hypotheses are tested using a sample of 162 Jordanian manufacturing firms. Results show that LSRM practices are positively and significantly correlated with each other, and they have a positive and significant relationship with FP. This study contributes to literature by synthesizing SRM and lean constructs, and providing empirical evidence of the relationship between LSRM and FP. The study also contributes to literature through developing an assessment tool for determining the level of adoption of the LSRM practices. Moreover, the study provides a sense of where Jordanian manufacturing firms are today on their journey in the field of LSRM, and provides practical implications for manufacturing firms involved in SRM initiatives.