The impact of dependence and relationship commitment on logistics outsourcing: Empirical evidence from Greater China
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 5 October 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical framework involving dependence, relationship commitment, logistics outsourcing and service quality to exhibit the roles of the relational factors involved in logistics outsourcing and their outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data collected from 361 companies in Greater China, the authors use the structural equation model approach to examine the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
Both normative and instrumental relationship commitment are necessary for third party logistics (3PL) users to cope with their goal dependence on 3PL providers. However, only normative relationship commitment is necessary when users perceive switch dependence. Normative relationship commitment also plays a more important role than instrumental relationship commitment in facilitating the adoption of 3PL logistic outsourcing. In addition, both basic and advanced outsourcing practices have a positive effect on service quality.
Originality/value
This study contributes to both 3PL theories and practices by clarifying how relationships between 3PL users and providers in China are managed.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 71372058), Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. LR13G020001), Program for Zhijiang Young Scholar of Social Sciences of Zhejiang Province (No. 13ZJQN032YB), and Zhejiang University K.P. Chao’s High Technology Development Foundation (No. 2014RC005).
Citation
Huo, B., Liu, C., Kang, M. and Zhao, X. (2015), "The impact of dependence and relationship commitment on logistics outsourcing: Empirical evidence from Greater China", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 45 No. 9/10, pp. 887-912. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-04-2015-0109
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited