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Article
Publication date: 30 May 2020

Stephanie P. Thomas, Sara Liao-Troth and Donnie F. Williams

Truck drivers keep supply chains moving, but driver shortages and high turnover levels plague the industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the three dimensions of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Truck drivers keep supply chains moving, but driver shortages and high turnover levels plague the industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the three dimensions of Maslach's job burnout model: exhaustion, cynicism and professional inefficacy, as it relates to role stressors and turnover intention. Logistics boundary spanners such as truck drivers appear to be especially susceptible to job burnout. Role theory and organizational support theory were used to develop hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual level survey data were collected from 190 truck driver respondents (not owner operators) at two large truck stops. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings suggest that the relationship between role stressors and the dimensions of job burnout are not all the same. Role conflict significantly impacts exhaustion and cynicism. Role ambiguity significantly impacts cynicism and inefficacy. Results support a progression through burnout dimensions that begins with exhaustion and ends with inefficacy. Inefficacy was significantly related to intention to stay. Organizational support is a way to help drivers mitigate feelings of inefficacy.

Practical implications

Managers in trucking organizations can track burnout levels in their drivers using the Maslach Burnout Inventory with a specific focus on monitoring feelings of inefficacy, which may help lower turnover levels.

Originality/value

The findings support that the burnout dimension of inefficacy is the strongest indicator that a driver is considering leaving his current organization or the industry. This is contrary to other studies that have focused on the other two burnout dimensions.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 50 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2012

Sara Liao‐Troth, Stephanie Thomas and Stanley E. Fawcett

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate research trends observed in the International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM) during its first 20 years of publication.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate research trends observed in the International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM) during its first 20 years of publication.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis was conducted of the IJLM's first 20 years of publication (330 articles in total) to identify changing trends in subject matter, use of theory, type of research methodology, and author, institution, and country contributions.

Findings

IJLM has evolved in every dimension evaluated. Specifically, content follows macro‐economic world events and reflects the emergence of supply chain management as an interdisciplinary domain. Recent research demonstrates a greater emphasis on theory development as well as more rigorous methods. Importantly, the increased theoretical grounding and rigor provides greater confidence in research that continues to be highly managerially relevant. Author, institution, and country findings are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to an analysis of IJLM's publications.

Practical implications

The research provides valuable insights into the evolution of articles published in IJLM. For managers, the findings suggest that readers can place greater confidence in the findings and recommendations proposed by current research published in IJLM. For researchers, the findings provide guidance regarding the types of research that are likely to be accepted for publication in IJLM. The findings also represent a call for more forward‐looking research.

Originality/value

The comprehensive review of IJLM's publications provides a longitudinal perspective on the evolution of research in IJLM.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

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