Is Purchasing Really Strategic?

Does purchasing have a role in corporate strategy? The central theme that has emerged from an examination of prior research in the areas of competitive strategy and purchasing strategy is that the image and status of purchasing is driven by the contribution of the purchasing function to overall corporate performance and to the performance of other functions. Does purchasing performance impact corporate performance? Is purchasing really strategic? This article documents the impact purchasing decisions have on corporate performance. There are strategic “levers” that purchasing can use to enhance the chances for firm success. The implication is that any firm can successfully develop and implement purchasing strategies. A firm's efforts at purchasing strategy development can be successful. Purchasing is indeed strategic.