THE DETERMINANTS FOSTERING HORIZONTAL COLLABORATION PERFORMANCE IN THE GLOBAL NETWORK OF LOGISTICS SERVICE FIRMS: AN EMPIRICAL RESEARCH OF THE G7 LOGISTICS NETWORK

Abstract

In the paradigm of horizontal logistics collaboration, it is essential to achieve a conceptual model for collaboration between members in the global network of logistics service firms (third party logistics service providers) operated by a network administrative organization (NAO). The research objectives of the dissertation mainly comprise: first, to develop a conceptual model for collaboration performance in the global network of logistics service firms operated by NAO; second, to test the proposed model in the context of the G7 global logistics network; and third, to suggest recommendations in order to foster collaboration performance between the logistics service firms in the global network operated by an NAO. Theoretically, the study employs the perspectives of interorganizational relationships, the resource-based view, and institutional theory. Methodologically, the study employed mixed-methods, where the quantitative method was the main method and the qualitative method was subordinate. The data were collected using a questionnaire survey where the population was the G7 logistics network. The analysis unit is the dyad relationship between members in the network, but data were collected from only one side of the relationship. Survey questionnaires were sent using Google Forms, and by email to 148 respondents. As a result, 106 answer sheets were reported as the data set of the study. The PLS SEM technique and criteria using Smart PLS version 3.3.3 were employed to test and evaluate the data and the model. Combining the initial testing results of reliability, validity, and goodness-of-fit and model fit using PLS SEM with the results of the interviews related to the opinions of the interviewees concerning the constructs of collaboration performance (overall satisfaction, growth, network continuity), the proposed model was refined in order to achieve a fit model. Next, measurement model assessment, structural model assessment and mediating effects were tested and examined using the PLS SEM criteria.

As a result, the study achieved a conceptually fit model and discovered relationships between and among the factors where partner complementarity, partnership attributes, network competence, and coordination positively impact collaboration performance; firms’ organizational legitimacy in the local environment and context were not seen to be positively associated with coordination or collaboration performance between the members in the global network of the logistics service firms operated by an NAO, but had an positive impact on the network continuity of the members. The dissertation, theoretically, contributes a conceptual model to the collaboration performance between the logistics service firms in the global network operated by an NAO, and employed concepts consisting of partner complementarity, organizational legitimacy, and network competence appropriately with horizontal logistics collaboration. Moreover, methodologically, the dissertation contributes to empirical research using mixed-methods, combining the perspective of interorganizational relations, the resource-based view, and institutional theory with literature on horizontal logistics collaboration. Consequently, the study suggests core recommendations for logistics service firms in order to foster collaboration performance in the global network operated by an NAO.

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