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Scientific Article details

Title Strategic account management as a value co-creation selling model in the pharmaceutical industry
ID_Doc 75936
Authors Pilon, F; Hadjielias, E
Title Strategic account management as a value co-creation selling model in the pharmaceutical industry
Year 2017
Published Journal Of Business & Industrial Marketing, 32, 2
DOI 10.1108/JBIM-05-2015-0100
Abstract Purpose - This study aims to explore the dynamics enabling strategic account management (SAM) to function as a value co-creation selling model in the pharmaceutical industry. Design/methodology/approach - Using an inductive qualitative research design, data are collected within 11 industry customers in Canada. This work focuses on hospitals as strategic accounts of pharmaceutical companies, exploring SAM value co-creation in the "hospital-pharmaceutical company" relationship. Findings - The findings suggest the presence of two key dimensions that can enable a value co-creation SAM model in the hospital-pharmaceutical relationship: "customer-tailored value-added initiatives" and "relationship enhancers". Customer-tailored value-added initiatives explain the activities that are central to the hospital-pharmaceutical company relationship and can lead to the provision of value added that is unique to the hospital. Relationship enhancers explain the activities that can help strengthen hospital-pharmaceutical company relations in the pursuit of enhanced value-added interactions between the two parties. The research demonstrates a cyclical relationship between "customer-tailored value-added initiatives" and "relationship enhancers", leading to value co-creation through a SAM model. Practical implications - The study informs pharmaceutical industry practitioners on how to improve their value proposition through new, more sustainable selling practices. It offers information on implementing a value co-creation SAM model, which can enable pharmaceutical companies to sustain long-lasting value-added relationships with key accounts such as hospitals. Originality/value - The study contributes to the field of SAM by conceptualizing SAM as a value co-creation system. It introduces new knowledge in pharmaceutical marketing by offering empirical insight on the applicability and use of SAM in the hospital-pharmaceutical company dyad.
Author Keywords Pharmaceutical industry; Value co-creation; Buyer-seller relationship; Business-to-Business marketing; Strategic account management
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000399074300012
WoS Category Business
Research Area Business & Economics
PDF https://clok.uclan.ac.uk/16490/1/PDF_Proof.PDF
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