An examination of the moderating effect of channel member firm size on perceptions of preferred channel linkages

The purpose of this study was to empirically test a model of channel member preferability status. The channel linkage examined was the food manufacturer—food broker interface. The results of the study suggest that the preferability status of a food manufacturer as perceived by a food broker is a function of manufacturer coercive and noncoercive power, food broker organizational role stress, and food broker performance. The findings also suggest that some of the relationships are moderated by the size of the respondent's firm. Both authors contributed equally in this study.