It's only a matter of confidence!: A comparison of relationship management between Japanese- and UK non-Japanese-owned vehicle manufacturers

Attempts to answer the question: why are Japanese firms better at managing long-term supplier relationships? Discusses the results from a three-year research project that focuses on the way in which Japanese transplants and UK non-Japanese-owned vehicle manufacturers manage their relationships. The research attempts to define the concept of trust, by using existing academic models. Using the existing literature examines how Japanese and non-Japanese-owned (UK) manufacturers work with their first tier suppliers. The research is primarily qualitative due to the small sample size of non-Japanese-owned and Japanese vehicle manufacturers; however, the research does examine five vehicle manufacturers and 19 relationships. Concludes with the development of a conceptual model for mutually advantageous business relationships, which is an attempt to produce a workable inventory of trust for use by both customers and suppliers.