What is Buyers

Important supply bases for buyers are those that emphasize minority-owned businesses. The increased focus on globalization, corporate social responsibility, supplier diversity, and additional benefits has established a need for buyers to develop sustainable relationships with minority-owned firms. Based on a review of the literature, and interviews with a minority supplier director, minority suppliers, and a purchasing manager, this chapter examines the relationship constructs that are important to buyer-minority-owned supplier relationships. Trust, perception of buyer’s commitment, and minority-owned supplier commitment is explored. Research propositions, implications, and directions for further research are offered.