A construct of META‐RELQUAL: measurement model and theory testing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test a measurement model of a META‐RELQUAL construct. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based upon a survey and random sample of small‐ and medium‐sized companies in Norway. Respondents were contacted by phone and a total of 581 surveys were mailed. In total, 212 surveys were returned generating a response rate of 36.5 percent. Findings – The goodness‐of‐fit measures of the tested measurement model of the META‐RELQUAL construct were all found to be within the recommended guidelines. The recommended guidelines for convergent, discriminant and nomological validity, as well as construct reliability, were all met. It is concluded that the measurement properties of the META‐RELQUAL construct applied in Norwegian manufacturer‐supplier relationships indicate acceptable validity and reliability. Research limitations/implications – The tested META‐RELQUAL construct appears to be accurate for those Norwegian business relationships studied, but only further testing in other companies will verify its universal application if it is to be seen as a valid and reliable measurement for other companies' business relationships too. Suggestions for further research are provided. Practical implications – This study is of managerial interest to executives since it provides a framework of constructs to be considered in corporate efforts in maintaining satisfactory levels of relationship quality in business relationships. Originality/value – The META‐RELQUAL construct makes a contribution to theory since it outlines a higher order construct and measurement instrument for the benefit of other researchers and practitioners in the field.