An empirical study comparing Guatemalan and United States logistics strategies
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 18 May 2012
Abstract
Purpose
This manuscript aims to empirically examine logistics strategy in Guatemalan firms and compare the findings to recent research into logistics strategy research of USA firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Data on logistics strategies and logistics outcomes were gathered from Guatemalan logistics managers and then compared with empirical data gathered from US logistics managers.
Findings
While the fundamentals of logistics strategy in Guatemala were similar to those of USA firms, it was found that Guatemalan logistics managers place somewhat less importance on process strategy but greater importance on market strategy and information strategy to achieve logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service commitment, and organization competitive responsiveness. Possible reasons for these differences include culture and size of the economy.
Practical implications
The results suggest that logistics strategies in different countries may be affected by differences in culture, the size of an economy, and possibly other considerations.
Originality/value
These findings should be considered as a point of departure for those conducting research into cross‐cultural logistics and supply chain management strategies.
Keywords
Citation
McGinnis, M.A., Spillan, J.E. and Virzi, N. (2012), "An empirical study comparing Guatemalan and United States logistics strategies", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 77-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574091211226939
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited