Trust, but what trust? Investigating the influence of trust dimensions on supply chain performance in smallholder agribusinesses in Uganda

Abstract

PurposeEven though trust is known for improving supply chain performance (SCP), previous studies have overlooked the investigation of its dimensions. Limited studies exist on the variations of the influence of trust dimensions in agribusiness supply chain relationships. This study examined the influence of trust dimensions on SCP in a developing country's context.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study design was used to collect from 204 farmers and 192 traders (396 respondents) using a multistage sampling approach. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the hypothesized relationships.FindingsPooled sample results show that integrity and competence were the trust dimensions with significant effects on SCP, whereas competence was significant across different supply chains and markets, integrity and benevolence were only significant along fresh chains and in the contract market.Research limitations/implicationsThe extent of application of this study's findings is limited to situations similar to those of tomato and soybeans value chains in developing countries.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to a better understanding of the influence of trust dimensions on SCP across supply chains in different market typologies in agribusiness relationships in a developing country's context.