Integrative processes in agricultural marketing channels

The study traces patterns of inter-organizational coordination in marketing channels and shows how changes in the relationship among organizations are associated with shifts in orientation and mode of interaction. The analysis is based on developments in agromarketing and food distribution organizations. The current crisis in food supplies and international concern with the availability of raw products should bring this neglected area into the forefront of marketing concern. The study is based on observations of current trends of inter-organizational integration in the U.S., U.K. and Israel. It points to the emergence of a new institutional form the authors call the Societal Marketing Board. The Societal Marketing Board (SMB) is a federated inter-organizational system, comprised of all sectors of an industry, established by legislation to promote the interests of that industry. The analysis concludes that the SMB has the potential: 1) to generate resources and 'increase the pie' for the benefit of all; 2) to broaden the oriengation of sectorial organization to reflect a wider range of social interests; 3) to achieve the above goals while curbing direct government intervention. It suggests that the operation of the Societal Marketing Board can contribute toward mitigating the tension from contradictory pressures for greater coordination in the complex marketing system on the one hand, and for economic freedom and market competition on the other.