Discuss channel cooperation and conflict. How might each one affect distribution channel functions?
What will be an ideal response?
Channel cooperation is vital if each member is to gain something from the other members. Cooperation enables retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and logistics providers to speed up inventory replenishment, improve customer service, and cut the costs of bringing products to the consumer. Because the supply chain is an interrelated system, the success of one firm in the channel depends in part on other member firms. Without cooperation, neither overall channel goals nor individual member goals can be realized. Thus, marketing channel members should make a coordinated effort to satisfy market requirements. Channel cooperation leads to greater trust among channel members and improves the overall functioning of the channel. Cooperation also leads to more satisfying relationships among channel members.Although all channel members work toward the same general goal-distributing products profitably and efficiently-members sometimes may disagree about the best methods for attaining this goal. If self-interest creates misunderstanding about role expectations, the end result is frustration and conflict for the whole channel. For individual organizations to function together, each channel member must clearly communicate and understand role expectations. Communication difficulties are a potential form of channel conflict because ineffective communication leads to frustration, misunderstandings, and ill-coordinated strategies, jeopardizing further coordination. Many firms use multiple channels of distribution, especially now that most retail firms have an online presence. The internet has increased the potential for conflict and resentment between manufacturers and intermediaries. Channel conflicts also arise when intermediaries overemphasize competing products or diversify into product lines traditionally handled by other intermediaries. When a producer that has traditionally used franchised dealers broadens its retailer base to include other types of retail outlets, for example, conflict can arise with the traditional outlets. Sometimes conflict develops because producers strive to increase efficiency by circumventing intermediaries.
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The element of the marketing mix that describes a good, service, or idea to satisfy consumers' needs is known as
A. the price. B. promotion. C. a market segment. D. a product. E. the place or distribution.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a reason a code of ethics might be adopted?
a. Peer pressure within the same industry b. Government failure c. Improve customer relationships d. Improve profitability
Imagine you were asked to work for a residential construction company. How would you build a moral case for this company to engage in corporate social responsibility and environmentally sustainable business practices?
A. Well-conceived CSR strategies and sustainable business practices are in the best long-term interest of the owners of the construction firm. B. If the construction firm makes a strong commitment to socially responsible behavior, doing so will reduce the risk of reputation-damaging incidents. C. Socially responsible actions and sustainable business practices can lower the construction firm's costs and enhance employee recruiting and workforce retention. D. Like any business, the construction firm must engage in practices that reflect ordinary decency and civic-mindedness, and contribute to society's well-being. E. Opportunities for revenue enhancement may also come from CSR and environmental sustainability strategies by the construction firm.
In NLRB v Weingarten, Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that
A. unionized employees have certain rights to representation when subjected to an investigatory interview. B. once employers begin to investigate an employee by interviewing him/her, the court must interview all relevant witnesses. C. all employees have a right to request representation when subjected to an investigative interview. D. employees also have a right to interview witnesses in order to refute charges against them.