The Process of Adaptation in Inter-Firm Relationships

Adaptations are an important, arguably a defining, component of a long-term buyer-seller relationship. Substantial research evidence exists on the nature of the adaptations which arise within such relationships. The processes involved in adapting for a customer or supplier organisation are not so well understood. Five process metaphors for adaptation within buyer-seller relationships are explored. Each is found helpful to some extent in illuminating the process of adaptation. The metaphors are found to be complementary, so that taken together they provide a coherent process view of buyer-seller adaptations.