Impact of the factors affecting supplier choice at private hospitals on trust and customer satisfaction: An implementation in Gaziantep and surrounding cities

At present, supplier chain management is becoming more important along with globalization. In addition to providing competitive advantage to companies, good management of supplier chain provides such advantages as trust, sustained relations and dominating the market for a long time.Supplier chain management bears vital significance for hospitals as well. That the correct product is in the correct place with proper cost and quality is ensured through effective management of supplier chain. That supplier chain is not administered effectively may lead to financial loss besides intangible damages and pain that cannot be compensated.In this study, first, theoretical background of the research was laid down by surveying the literature pertaining to supplier chain management. Then, The data obtained from the questionnaire administered on 79 people at 44 private hospitals in Gaziantep and surrounding cities to study the impact of the factors affecting supplier choice at private hospitals on trust and customer satisfaction was analyzed. According to the results of the analysis of the data gathered, the most important factor affecting customer satisfaction and trust is quality. Furthermore, logistic performance, quality of sales personnel and substitutability influence customer satisfaction.Key words: Supplier Chain Management, Trust in Supplier, Customer Satisfaction, Private Hospitals.