Conflict And Ambiguity Resulting From Purchasing Performance Measurement Criteria: Their Impact On Buyers

Abstract

The evaluation of purchasing performance is both imprecise and difficult.  Criteria used to measure purchasing performance could be perceived by buyers to be either in conflict with one another, or ambiguous.  It was found that conflict and ambiguity regarding the performance criteria adversely affected buyers’ role conflict and role ambiguity.  The implication of this research is that conflict and ambiguity in performance criteria exist.  Buyers experience decreased satisfaction with organizational policies as a consequence.