An Experimental Study of the Relationship between Trust and Inventory Replenishment in Triadic Supply Chain

We investigate the relationship between trust and inventory replenishment decision indicators in a triadic (three-echelon) serial supply chain. We consider two types of trust; trust in supplier and trust in customer. The extant behavioral operations literature on inventory management generally ignores the role of trust on inventory replenishment decision-making. This study determines how both types of trust are built and enhanced among anonymous decision makers in a supply chain. Moreover, the trust trends moving upstream along the supply chain are identified. Results show trust in supplier and trust in customer are significantly associated to inventory managers’ replenishment decisions