A survey methodology was chosen to expand upon earlier case study findings and to empirically test the theoretical model. In order to operationalize the constructs in Figure 2, existing scales were used where applicable. These included Duncan’s (1972) operationalization of the construct of uncertainty and Van de Ven and Ferry’s (1980) operationalization of resource dependence. In addition, scale items for vertical coordination were based on the continuums of Heide and John (1992) and Webster (1992), along with the case study findings of Kopicki et al. (1993). The quality construct was operationalized based on the environmental supply chain management literature, which suggested that Garvin’s (19 88) manufacturing and product-based definitions were the most germane (Bronstad & Evans-Correia, 1992; Kopicki et al.). The authors drew from environmental, marketing channel, and supply chain management literature in developing the remaining scales. The environmental purchasing construct was identified by scale items that included purchasing recycled and lighter weight packaging, using life-cycle analyses, designing products for disassembly and reuse, and asking suppliers to commit to waste reduction goals.