Leveraging logistics learning capability to enable logistics service capabilities and performance for international distribution center operators in Taiwan

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of international distribution center operators (IDCOs) in Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. A two-steps structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was performed in this study to test the research hypotheses. The first step is performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the validity of the measurement model. The second step proceeds to estimate the structural model between latent variables. Findings – A five-dimension scale including open-mindedness (O), commitment to learning (C), system perspective (E), partner learning (A), and shared vision (N) was proposed in this study and was supported by CFA analysis to measure IDCOs’ logistics learning capability in this study. Results of SEM indicated that logistics learning capability is positively related to logistics service capability, whereas logistics service capability is also positively related to organizational performance. Although logistics learning capability has no direct relationship to organizational performance, we found it indirectly affects organizational performance via logistics service capability. Research limitations/implications – This study primarily focusses on the effect of logistics learning on organizational performance. Future research could incorporate environmental uncertainty as a moderator to assess its impact on the relationship between logistics learning capability and organizational performance. Practical implications – IDCOs can enhance customer service and financial performance by developing logistics learning capability and specifically focussing efforts on supply chain partner learning. Originality/value – This study presents the first to examine the effects of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of IDCOs. Particularly, this study proposes a five-dimension logistics learning capability scale from a supply chain perspective.