Factors influencing the future relationship of hospital procurement staff with medical device suppliers

We explored whether or not trust and commitment play important roles in supply chain management and can affect future relationships between hospitals and suppliers. We conducted a survey of medical supplies procurement staff at local community hospitals, regional hospitals, and medical centers in Taiwan, using a self-report survey. Structural equation modeling revealed no significant effect of the supplier’s reputation or relationship tenure on trust within, and commitment to, future dealings. However, both communication and perceived benefits had positive effects on trust. In addition, trust had a significantly positive effect on the future relationship, whereas the effect of commitment was nonsignificant. The results also confirmed that trust can play an important role as a mediating variable.