From articles found in publications of the past five to ten years, it appears that in many industries the actual image of purchasing does not coincide with its textbook image, which is that of being one of the most important functions within the company. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to show that in Virginia manufacturing firms, the actual image of purchasing is different from the one presented in textbooks.

Several hypotheses are developed and tested in this study. The general hypothesis states that the image of purchasing in Virginia manufacturing firms does not coincide with its textbook image of being one of the most highly recognized and important management functions, equal in status with sales and production.

Many books, articles, related studies, and surveys were reviewed for pertinent data. In addition, two questionnaires were developed. One was used to survey VPl students in the fields of Business Administration and Engineering to acquire information about their knowledge and opinions of the purchasing field. The second one was used to survey 250 manufacturing firms in the State of Virginia concerning the purchasing functions. A return of 41.6 percent was experienced, and of these, 40 companies were classified as large businesses and 62 classified as small businesses on the basis of the number of employees.

In investigating the purchasing image, the data from the questionnaires were compiled and presented in the following categories: location in the organizational structure, responsibilities, salaries, recognition, position status, career advancement, sources of purchasing personnel, personal characteristics, and educational background. Data from books and articles reviews in this study were combined with the questionnaire results in order to present a more complete analysis of the purchasing image.

Based on the findings of the study, the general hypothesis stated above was rejected. It was concluded that progress had been made in developing the image of purchasing in Virginia manufacturing firms, but additional efforts are required to make the actual image of purchasing coincide with the theoretical image. Most of the other hypotheses were accepted based on the findings and the lack of contradictory evidence.

Several recommendations were made which should be of assistance in improving this image. These recommendations were directed toward company management for use in their role of improving the purchasing image.