The Political Role of Trade Associations in Distributive Conflict Resolution

Abstract

Differing economic objectives among members of a channel of distribution often result in conflict in the system. This article reports on the role of retail and wholesale trade associations in resolving such conflicts. It is based on a comprehensive study of postwar distributive conflict and distinguishes between political resolution and internal or self-resolution of conflicts among channel members. Economic and environmental factors encouraging distributive trade associations to rely on political rather than self-resolution are considered. Maior legislative and internal initiatives to resolve conflict are cited.