Conflict in Supply Chain Relationships: A Review, Conceptualization, and Future Research Agenda

Conflict in buyer–supplier relationships is a regular occurrence and, therefore, understanding its emergence, consequences, management, and resolution is a vital area for academics and managers alike. In recent times, studies have given more consideration to whether and how conflict in these relationships leads to (dys-)functional outcomes, but plenty of questions remain unanswered. Based on an analysis of 124 papers, and drawing upon core assumptions that underpin supply chain relationships, we present descriptive and thematic analyses and synthesis to highlight what has been explored to date. Building on these analyses, we position a future research agenda by outlining key research avenues by which to advance our understanding of and insights into conflicts in supply chain relationships. We focus on four key themes: (i) conflict conceptualization; (ii) conflict antecedents; (iii) conflict management and resolution; and (iv) conflict outcomes. For each theme, gaps in prior study are outlined before identifying the opportunities for future research that will serve to address these lacunas in our knowledge and practice. Thus, we articulate fruitful research questions for each of these themes and discuss the significant managerial implications of current and future research.