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PROCUREMENT VS. CULTURE: COOPERATION OF A POLISH MANUFACTURING COMPANY WITH CHINESE AND GERMAN SUPPLIERS – A CASE STUDY.

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Title: PROCUREMENT VS. CULTURE: COOPERATION OF A POLISH MANUFACTURING COMPANY WITH CHINESE AND GERMAN SUPPLIERS – A CASE STUDY.
Authors: MATUSIAK, Małgorzata1 malgorzata.matusiak@uni.lodz.pl, KRÓLIKIEWICZ, Bartosz2 krolikiewicz.b98@gmail.com
Source: Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie. 2025, Issue 229, p317-348. 32p.
Subject Terms: *INTERNATIONAL relations, *QUALITATIVE research, *INDUSTRIAL procurement, *MANUFACTURING industries, *SUPPLIERS, CROSS-cultural differences, CULTURAL competence, CHINESE corporations
Geographic Terms: POLAND, GERMANY, CHINA
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of the research is to demonstrate the role of cultural differences in the process of sourcing raw materials and components from Chinese and German suppliers to a Polish manufacturing company. Design/methodology/approach: The article adopts a qualitative methodology, with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques in this study used: in-depth interview technique, covert participant observation and archival analysis. Findings: The analysis confirmed that in the procurement process of materials and components, knowledge of cultural differences helps to minimise the risk of misunderstandings and to lead to long-term and satisfying cooperation. Research limitations/implications: The results of this qualitative study refer to the company under study. The analyses can serve as a point of reference for other researchers on this topic. The empirical material complements the findings of other researchers on this topic. Practical implications: The results of this research can be helpful for managers of international teams and contacts between companies from different cultural backgrounds, and support the improvement of competencies, both of managers and lower-level employees in the area of cross-cultural competence. They are a source of knowledge and practical guidance for entrepreneurs sourcing internationally, mainly from Chinese and German suppliers. In view of the role of China in the world economy, the current position of the German economy in Europe, Poland's largest trade with Germany - cooperation with suppliers from these countries should be the subject of detailed and systematic analysis for business practice. Originality/value: The use of three approaches to analysing cultural differences and three sources of data (especially long-term observation) can contribute to a better understanding of the role of cultural differences in the sourcing area of manufacturing enterprises. As a rule, this type of analysis uses a single model of cultural differences – the authors used three different models in order to more fully explain the issues at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Scientific Papers of Silesian University of Technology. Organization & Management / Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Slaskiej. Seria Organizacji i Zarzadzanie is the property of Silesian Technical University, Organisation & Management Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Business Source Index
Description
Abstract:Purpose: The purpose of the research is to demonstrate the role of cultural differences in the process of sourcing raw materials and components from Chinese and German suppliers to a Polish manufacturing company. Design/methodology/approach: The article adopts a qualitative methodology, with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques in this study used: in-depth interview technique, covert participant observation and archival analysis. Findings: The analysis confirmed that in the procurement process of materials and components, knowledge of cultural differences helps to minimise the risk of misunderstandings and to lead to long-term and satisfying cooperation. Research limitations/implications: The results of this qualitative study refer to the company under study. The analyses can serve as a point of reference for other researchers on this topic. The empirical material complements the findings of other researchers on this topic. Practical implications: The results of this research can be helpful for managers of international teams and contacts between companies from different cultural backgrounds, and support the improvement of competencies, both of managers and lower-level employees in the area of cross-cultural competence. They are a source of knowledge and practical guidance for entrepreneurs sourcing internationally, mainly from Chinese and German suppliers. In view of the role of China in the world economy, the current position of the German economy in Europe, Poland's largest trade with Germany - cooperation with suppliers from these countries should be the subject of detailed and systematic analysis for business practice. Originality/value: The use of three approaches to analysing cultural differences and three sources of data (especially long-term observation) can contribute to a better understanding of the role of cultural differences in the sourcing area of manufacturing enterprises. As a rule, this type of analysis uses a single model of cultural differences – the authors used three different models in order to more fully explain the issues at hand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:16413466
DOI:10.29119/1641-3466.2025.229.17