Silva Fennica (Jan 2005)
The competitive position of the Nordic wood industry in Germany – intangible quality dimensions
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 2000â2001. Results indicate that intangible product quality can be described in three dimensions, âBehaviour and Imageâ, âServiceability and Environmentâ, and âReliabilityâ. 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.