Investigating the Antecedents and Consequences of Importer–Exporter Relationship Quality: A Case of Automobile Spare Parts Importers in Bushehr

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 MSc Student in Business Management, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Management, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Malayer University, Iran

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the antecedents and consequences of importer–exporter relationship quality, with a case study of importers of automobile spare parts in the city of Bushehr, Iran. In terms of purpose, this research is applied; in terms of methodology, it is a descriptive–survey study; and regarding its research approach, it is quantitative. The study population consisted of importers and exporters of automobile spare parts in Bushehr. A census sampling method was employed, resulting in a final sample of 100 respondents. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with all research constructs exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 and SmartPLS version 3 for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, respectively. The findings revealed that opportunism, conflict, communication, adaptation, and cultural distance significantly affect importer–exporter relationship quality. Furthermore, the results confirmed that relationship quality has a significant and strong positive effect on both relational performance and financial performance in importer–exporter relationships. Finally, several practical recommendations were proposed for managers and practitioners involved in importing and exporting activities. These include implementing monitoring and verification systems to mitigate opportunistic behavior, institutionalizing conflict management protocols within contractual agreements, and enhancing the use of intelligent and continuous communication tools to strengthen business relationships.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of International Businesses Administration
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
September 2026
Pages 117-146

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 22 September 2026
  • Accept Date: 26 September 2026

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