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Corporate Autonomy and Buyer–Supplier Relationships: The Case of Unsafe Mattel Toys

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Abstract

This article analyses supplier–buyer relationships where the suppliers adapt to the buyers’ needs and expectations to gain mutual advantages. In some cases, such closely knit relationships lead to violations of the autonomy of one or both partners. A concept of corporate autonomy (CA) is developed to analyze this problem. Three different facets can be distinguished: rule autonomy, executive autonomy, and control autonomy. A case study of Mattel’s problems with lead-contaminated toys produced in China shows that the CA of buyer and supplier can be restricted as a result of a dysfunctional partnership involving a moral dilemma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ESC Rennes, Rennes, France

    Julia Roloff

  2. Universität Kassel, Kassel, Germany

    Michael S. Aßländer

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  1. Julia Roloff
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  2. Michael S. Aßländer
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Correspondence to Julia Roloff.

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Roloff, J., Aßländer, M.S. Corporate Autonomy and Buyer–Supplier Relationships: The Case of Unsafe Mattel Toys. J Bus Ethics 97, 517–534 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0522-1

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