Authors: Ivan Snehota; Lars-Erik Gadde
Middlemen and intermediaries are established concepts in the distribution channelliterature. Recent developments of practice make the use of the concept of middlemanproblematic. For example, firms traditionally labelled as distributors are increasinglyinvolved in specifying design, materials, and production methods of products. Theongoing restructuring of distribution has been characterised as a process blurring therole of the respective actors. This paper argues that the problems with the concept ratherstem from the fact that ?middleman? is used to describe actors whose roles vary a greatdeal. The aim of the paper is to explore the characteristics of the different rolesmiddlemen can take in the market network.
Journal: ( – )
Web Address:
Publish Year: 2001
Conference: Oslo, Norway (2001)