An empirically derived framework of logistics management strategy

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically derived framework for Logistics Management and discuss how it integrates organization’s short-term objectives with the need to respond to the complex external environment. Organizational theory, strategic planning and logistics management literature were reviewed carefully in identifying the conceptual support for the derived framework of logistics management and organizational competitiveness. The proposed generalized framework demonstrates that Logistics Management Strategy has the strongest positive effect on Organizational Competitiveness when it is mediated by Logistics Coordination Effectiveness and Customer Service Commitment. Overall Logistics Strategy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for increased organizational competitiveness. If the Overall Logistics Strategy is accompanied by (a) effective logistics coordination and (b) customer service commitment then organization competitiveness is likely to be greater. This conceptual study contributes to the field by presenting a generalized framework to improve researcher and practitioner understanding of the role Logistics Management in Organizational Competitiveness. This study integrates previous research and thought domains to develop a generalized framework that guides our understanding of the role of Logistics Management and its consequences on Organizational Competitiveness.