The impact of partner similarity on alliance management capability, stability and performance: Empirical evidence of horizontal logistics alliance in China
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 2 October 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate significant impact of partner similarity on the success of horizontal alliances in logistics service providers (LSPs) from China.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected via questionnaire distribution to 380 Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors in 262 small and medium logistics enterprises in China. There are 316 valid questionnaires for further analysis with 83 percent accuracy in response rate. Structural equation modeling was used to test the impact of partner similarity on alliance management capability, stability and performance.
Findings
Partner similarity and logistics alliance management capability (LAMC) are positively correlated to alliance stability and performance in horizontal alliances among Chinese LSPs, especially competence similarity and cultural similarity. Moreover, alliance stability mediates the impact of partner similarity and LAMC on alliance performance.
Research limitations/implications
The basic limitation of this research is to collect data just from small and medium logistics enterprises that operate in China with sample size (n=316). This research could further be extended to other regions in China or other countries.
Practical implications
This research verifies the positive relationship between partner fit and management capability. Besides, based on research findings, the research proposes guidelines for LSPs pursuing horizontal alliances
Originality/value
This research proposes an experimental model for Chinese LSPs to cooperate successfully and build horizontal alliances in order to increase their effective customer response capability.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research report was partially supported by Beijing Social Science Fund Research Project No. 16 JDGLB020. Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities project No. FRF-BD-16-006A /FRF-BR-16-002B, and Hebei Soft Science Project No. 15454102D. The data of this research are collected from logistics enterprises in China. The authors thank for their helpful comments and assistance in this research.
Citation
Gao, H., Yang, J., Yin, H. and Ma, Z. (2017), "The impact of partner similarity on alliance management capability, stability and performance: Empirical evidence of horizontal logistics alliance in China", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 47 No. 9, pp. 906-926. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-09-2016-0263
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited