Status and Recognition of the Purchasing Function in the Electronics Industry

Abstract

This article examines the status and recognition of the purchasing function in the electronics industry. Issues also investigated are the perception of purchasing as a strategic or a clerical function; recognition as an equal partner on the top management team; access to information and participation in decision making; and the nature of other functions’ reporting relationships to purchasing. The results confirm previous research that indicates purchasing is viewed increasingly as a strategic contributor to the firm. Further, there appears to be evidence that purchasing participates as a team member in many decision‐making processes of the firm. However, the purchasing function still lacks the status and recognition that should be accorded to a critical strategic function.