Logo image
Back
New perspectives on the causes of franchising conflict in Australia
Journal article   Peer reviewed

New perspectives on the causes of franchising conflict in Australia

S Weaven, Lorelle Frazer and J Giddings
Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol.22(2), pp.135-155
2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13555851011026917
url
https://doi.org/10.1108/13555851011026917View
Published Version

Abstract

Australia conflict management due diligence franchising information disclosure
Purpose - Although Australian franchising sector regulation promotes system disclosure and provides for mandatory conflict mediation, there is some concern that inequities exist within the conflict management process. From 2006 to 2008 no less than four government inquiries into franchising took place in Australia in an attempt to resolve problems occurring in the sector. A major issue was that of the perceived imbalance of power in the franchisorfranchisee relationship, which often results in conflict between the two parties. The purpose of this paper is to extend the conflict literature in dyadic exchange relationships through investigating the causes of conflict from the franchisor and franchisee perspectives. Design/methodology/approach - Exploratory research is undertaken to identify the major causes of franchising conflict. Facetoface interviews are conducted with 24 franchising experts, such as lawyers and mediators, to draw upon their considerable experience in the sector. Findings - The key findings suggest that a lack of due diligence is associated with the formation of unrealistic expectations which increases the potential for future relational conflict. Although franchising experience impacts upon operational approaches and conflict, the role played by third parties and market conditions both appear to exacerbate dissatisfaction in franchise systems. Research limitations/implications - This research is exploratory and therefore the findings are tentative. The preliminary conceptual models will be tested in a large quantitative survey of key franchising stakeholders in the near future. Originality/value - With the Australian franchising sector presently under intense scrutiny by regulators this research is timely and important. It is expected that the findings will provide government and industry representatives with a more balanced understanding of the causes of franchising conflict so that preventative action may be taken. © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Details

Metrics

320 Record Views
39 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas
Business

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
#17 Partnerships for the Goals

Source: InCites

Logo image