Implications of a classification of forms of cooperative purchasing

Our main objective is to classify different forms of cooperative purchasing, i.e. purchasing groups. Based on a literature review, empirical findings, and new institutional economics we employ a classification: the highway matrix. In this matrix we distinguish five forms of cooperative purchasing according to the ‘influence by all members on the group activities’ and the ‘number of different group activities’. The classification can serve as a guideline for (potential) purchasing groups when a suitable form needs to be chosen. Managerial implications of a classification include an emphasis on differences in organisational structure and critical factors. Research implications include an emphasis on the importance of using a classification, as different forms of cooperative purchasing imply different models and mechanisms.