Antecedents and Consequences of Integrating Logistics Capabilities across the Supply Chain

Although current literature acknowledges the importance of integrated logistics capabilities, little empirical research exists on the antecedents and outcomes of this capability. The current study addresses this gap by examining how firms can develop integrated logistics capabilities and how this capability impacts firm performance. Specifically, the study identifies and empirically establishes the link between the behavioral elements of cooperation, coordination, and communication, and the achievement of integrated logistics capabilities. The results suggest that all three behavioral elements contribute directly to the integration of logistics capabilities across members of the supply chain. Further, it was found that the integration of logistics capabilities does impact operational and relational performance. The integration of logistics capabilities has the potential to lower the overall firm costs, and lead to better relationships with customers and the delivery of superior customer value.