Qualitative Aspects of Communication and Relations Between the Actors in a Supply Chain for Forest Fuel

Abstract

Recent literature within SCM has pointed out communication and human relations as less developed areas. This paper provides an in-depth presentation of these aspects in a studied supply chain for forest fuel, adopting an interview approach followed by thematic analyze. Two service contractors, performing chipping and transport of forest fuel, and the logistic manager at the trading company contracting them, where interviewed concerning the topics: work processes, information and relations, work situation and development.The three themes developed from the analysis (Acknowledging relationships, Gaps in understanding and communication, and Joint development) revealed several areas for further development.Such areas were the need for a continuous education process to increase understanding between the functional units; the need for a SCM-system where information are safely forwarded together with a secured information processes to ensure the information quality, and also clarification of the contractors authority in decision making.