Gender Differences In Weighting Of Supplier Selection Criteria.

Limitations and Future Research

The research revealed some interesting information relevant to gender differences and their potential impact on weighting criteria in the vendor selection process. However, the study is not without limitations. The first limitation is the inclusion of only three single sourcing industries- chemicals, electronics, and transportation. The purpose of including three industries was to provide a variety of sourcing alternatives. The extent to which results can be generalized beyond these industries or in multiple sourcing is unknown.

A second limitation arises from the nature of a mail survey. The questionnaires were mailed to purchasing managers; however, there was no way to control who actually answered the questionnaires once they were received by the purchasing managers. In other words, although the questionnaires were addressed to the purchasing manager they may have passed the survey to someone less involved in the purchasing activity to answer the questionnaire.

This exploratory study presents some interesting findings but also illuminates some areas in which further research is needed. First, a longitudinal study needs to be conducted to determine how gender differences change over time. Second, other industries need to be studied. Finally, future studies need to examine whether the type of product purchased has any influence on characteristics (i.e., MRO supplies vs. capital equipment vs. business services).

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