the role of sourcing agents in global apparel supply chains

study frames the sourcing agent’s role within Selznick’s Institutional Theory. Selznick’s
sociological research dates back to the mid-20 th century with works such as Leadership in
Administration and The Organizational Weapon.
Selznick (1996) defines Institutionalism as “the emergence of orderly, stable,
socially integrating patterns out of unstable, loosely organized, or narrowly technical
activities” (p. 271). Selznick (1996) also states that the most significant aspect of
institutionalization is “infusion with value beyond the technical requirements of the task
at hand” (p. 271). The readiness with which the organization changes in response to new
circumstances or marketplace demands is a defining feature of an institution. In short,
Selznick requires three main elements of a legitimate institution: goal-seeking, problem-
solving and adapting. As part of this study, the role of sourcing agents in providing these
three elements to an institution is demonstrated.
Differences in organizational effectiveness, including a firm’s ability to control
their responses to their environment account for variations in performance levels (Hirsch,
1975). According to Hirsch (1975):
At the industry level of analysis, organizational effectiveness encompasses
the relative success of each industry in handling: (1) uncertainties inherent
in market mechanisms, (2) the selection of new products by external
gatekeepers, and (3) the persuasion of government agencies that the public
interest is best served by special concessions in the development and
interpretation of statutes relating directly to industry profitability. (p. 332)
Sourcing agents can directly influence an institution’s ability to handle
uncertainties in the sourcing of apparel goods, such as the design and
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