Sustainable Supplier Selection Practices as Determinant of Buyer–Supplier Relationship

This study examined Sustainable Supplier Selection Practices and Buyer–Supplier Relationship (BSR) among purchasing personnel in Metro Cebu, Philippines, and determined whether SSSP predicted BSR. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected in 2026 from 106 purchasing managers and non-managers. A structured questionnaire consisting of six indicators for SSSP and four indicators for BSR was administered using a seven-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of the two constructs, while simple linear regression was employed to examine the predictive relationship between SSSP and BSR. The results showed that SSSP was rated at a very high level with product-based supplier criteria receiving the highest rating among the SSSP indicators. BSR was likewise rated very high, with the importance of maintaining relationships with major suppliers receiving the highest rating. Regression results showed that SSSP significantly and positively predicted. The findings indicate that sustainability-oriented supplier selection practices were associated with stronger buyer–supplier relationships. The study provides empirical evidence that sustainable supplier selection may extend beyond supplier evaluation and serve as part of broader supplier relationship management.

sustainable supplier selection, buyer–supplier relationship

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