Ritva Toivonen , Eric Hansen, Erno Järvinen, Raija-Riitta Enroth

The competitive position of the Nordic wood industry in Germany – intangible quality dimensions

Toivonen R., Hansen E., Järvinen E., Enroth R.-R. (2005). The competitive position of the Nordic wood industry in Germany – intangible quality dimensions. Silva Fennica vol. 39 no. 2 article id 389. https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.389

Abstract

This study examines the importance of various intangible product quality dimensions as perceived by wood-trading retailer and wholesaler companies in Germany. Using perceived importance and perceived performance, the study first examines the dimensionality of intangible product quality and then compares Nordic wood product suppliers with suppliers from other major supply regions. Data was collected from 76 German companies during 2000–2001. Results indicate that intangible product quality can be described in three dimensions, “Behaviour and Image”, “Serviceability and Environment”, and “Reliability”. Results also show that Nordic suppliers do not have a strong competitive position in Germany in terms of intangible product quality dimensions. Thus, Nordic suppliers could improve their competitive position by enhancing their service, logistics and other dimensions of the intangible product offering.

Keywords
wood products; quality; the intangible product component; performance

Received 27 July 2004 Accepted 17 May 2005 Published 31 December 2005

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