Abstract:

Business relationships provide the means to create and appropriate superior value in business markets. However, despite the proliferation of research on the phenomenon, many questions remain unaddressed. Previous work focused almost exclusively on value after its creation and its sharing between the two exchange partners. Consequently, the appropriation of value as well as its interaction with value creation remains relatively unknown. Similarly, few studies have examined the role of relational variables and power asymmetry in customer-supplier relationships. To fill this gap, this study aims to examine the influence of relationship quality and power on value creation and appropriation and ultimately, on satisfaction and relationship continuity. Based on the theory of social exchange, this study proposes a conceptual model, which positions value creation and appropriation as central variables in the nomological network of business relationships.The results obtained show that the relationship quality promotes greater value creation and appropriation in ongoing business relationships. As for power, its influence differs depending on how it is exercised within the relationship. Moreover, the appropriation of value remains the main driver of partner satisfaction, a sine qua non condition for the continuity of the relationship.