Persistent late payment of the supplier’s invoices (A) and Unequal sharing of gains, risks, and costs
with the supplier (B) are potential sources of conflict as they create dissatisfaction and imbalance in
the relationship. According to CIPS materials:
Late payments (A) can strain the supplier’s cash flow, affecting their operational stability and leading
to mistrust in the buyer.
Unequal sharing of gains, risks, and costs (B) can result in one party feeling exploited or unfairly
treated, which undermines the collaborative spirit essential for long-term partnerships.
In contrast, requesting early supplier involvement, planning visits, or setting delivery dates are
typically part of constructive relationship management practices and do not inherently lead to
conflict.
