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.

Please log in to see the content.