Evolving Roles and Responsibilities of Purchasing Organizations

Abstract

IN BRIEF The Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies (CAPS) undertook its first focus study investigating organizational relationships in purchasing in 1987. This research was replicated in 1995. A total of 119 firms responded to both studies, providing a unique opportunity to perform a longitudinal analysis on patterns of change within the supply function. Analysis of these 119 firms demonstrated a high level of organizational churning in the areas of organization structure, chief purchasing officer (CPO) reporting relationship, CPO title, and CPO turnover. Findings also indicate that a high percentage of CPOs do not have prior purchasing experience and that organizational change has a negative influence on purchasing's involvement in major corporate activities.