Emergence and Development of Inter-Organizational Relationships in International Supply Chains: The Macedonian Winery Case

Recent developments in information and communication technology (ICT) have facilitated integration along supply chains. Besides technological advancement and governmental support, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) still face significant challenges when integrating into global supply chains. In a study of SMEs operating in an international wine supply chain that spans Northern, Central, Southeastern Europe and Southern China, we identify the importance of business partners’ relationships factor for ICT use and adoption due to ICT’s role in bridging suppliers and customers. Specifically, we identify six factors – trust, distrust, communication, information sharing, collaboration and ties – of inter-organizational relationships, and explore their impact on ICT use and adoption. These insights about inter-organizational relationships in an international supply chain have important implications for managers involved in managing international supply chain relationships.