Relationship between routines of supplier selection and evaluation, risk perception and propensity to form buyer–supplier partnerships

Supply chain partnership is viewed as an important contributor to superior competitiveness; yet, the knowledge of ex-ante factors contributing deployment supply nascent. This article examines influence current supplier selection routines, evaluation routines and managerial attitude towards relational performance risks on future intention form buyer–supplier partnerships, based evolutionary economics theory. The analysis 156 questionnaires received from senior executives supply/logistics managers UK firms. We found that partner routine positively influences firms’ propensity (future intention) unlike perceptions both risk risk, which were not have a significant role. Our findings suggest firms wishing initiate partnerships can increase likelihood doing so by ensuring their incorporate efforts establish potential suppliers’ inclination for openness in relationship, track record demonstrating high degree integrity with other buyers confirm suppliers deep understanding buyer’s business, recognized strong reputation, demonstrable financial stability.