Great divides: internal alignment between logistics and peer functions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the extant logistics literature on internal functional alignment to: create an inventory of prior research on this issue; identify areas that require additional examination, and; highlight opportunities and approaches for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discuss and presents in tabular form: an overview of existing academic literature on internal alignment between logistics and peer functions inside the firm; methods used in existing literature; interfaces studied by method; under‐examined interfaces between logistics and peer functions; and internal alignment mechanisms studied/suggested.

Findings

Most of the research identified has focused on the alignment between logistics and the sales/marketing functions. Thus, studies that examine alignment with several functional areas in the firm that have strong operational interdependencies with logistics are limited. There is also a shortage of research that investigates and articulates mechanisms for improving alignment between logistics and peer functional areas. The majority of the studies identified use the survey‐based methodology with data collected from one (rather than several) functional areas across multiple firms. Such quantitative techniques, while providing greater breadth, are incapable of providing the depth required for this complex interdisciplinary topic.

Practical implications

Deficient interaction between logistics and peer functions has serious implications within and beyond the firm as research strongly suggests that internal alignment is an important antecedent to alignment between supply chain partners. There is plenty of opportunity to enrich existing research on logistics' alignment with peer functions by focusing on several largely unexplored interfaces, and by drawing upon different methodological approaches to examine this important but relatively under‐researched phenomenon.

Originality/value

Presents an agenda for future research on logistics' alignment with peer functions and proposes an exploratory conceptual model and testable propositions that connect key variables that influence logistics' alignment with peer functions.

Citation

van Hoek, R., Ellinger, A.E. and Johnson, M. (2008), "Great divides: internal alignment between logistics and peer functions", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 110-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574090810895924