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Guest editorial
Application of theories
Researchers note the lack of a single encompassing theory for innovation research (e.g.
Busse and Wallenburg, 2011; Wolfe, 1994). In order to stimulate theory-driven research,
Busse and Wallenburg (2011) highlight several theories and conceptual frameworks that
might be of particular relevance to research on logistics service innovation management:
dynamic capabilities, resource-advantage theory, absorptive capacity theory, the paradigm
of open innovation, and diffusion of innovation theory. While these theoretical lenses are
undoubtedly valuable for examining and explaining logistics and distribution innovation
related phenomena, consistent with Stock’s (1997) prescriptions, we also suggest that
researchers may choose to look further when identifying appropriate theories. As Stock
(1997) points out, much of logistics research has its roots in theories borrowed from the more
established disciplines, and future logistics research can still benefit from the application of
theories from disciplines like management, marketing, economics, anthropology/
psychology, sociology, political science, engineering, etc.
For example, in terms of logistics, China had been falling behind developed Western
nations’ practices for decades. However, in recent years, China has pioneered numerous
logistics and distribution innovations. When trying to explain such an intriguing phenomenon,
multiple theories could be relevant and helpful. One such theory is institutional theory.
Institutional theorists suggest that the institutional environment can strongly influence the
development of formal structures in organizations and that innovative structures that improve
technical efficiency in early-adopting organizations are legitimized in certain environments
(Meyer and Rowan, 1977). Thus, examining environmental factors in the Chinese context (like
government policies and market competitiveness) could shed light on catalysts behind the
emergence of logistics and distribution innovations. Another potentially intriguing theoretical
perspective could be utility theory from economics that emphasizes the utility maximization
principle (Fishburn, 1970). The utility maximization principle could be applied to determine
how Chinese retail and distribution firms identify and provide the highest utility (satisfaction)
to consumers (decision makers for purchases) in the specific area of logistics and distribution
service provision innovations.
When trying to explain whether and how Chinese firms use logistics and distribution
innovations to establish and defend their competitive positioning in the market, Porter’s (1985)
theory of competitive advantage can provide quite powerful theoretical support. Researchers
can examine how Chinese firms align their logistics and distribution innovations with the
three forms of competitive strategies identified by Porter (1985): cost leadership,
differentiation, and focus strategy. For example, the Strategic Purity Framework was
applied both motor carrier and collaboration contexts ( Jin et al., 2017, 2019; Muir et al., 2019).
The knowledge-based theory of the firm could also offer strong explanatory power from the
perspective of knowledge as a critical firm resource (Grant, 1996a, b). For example, Esper
et al. (2010) and Stank et al. (2012) draw upon the knowledge-based theory of the firm to
conceptualize a supply demand integration framework. The development of innovative
logistics and distribution processes and practices certainly requires purposeful and effective
management of knowledge and employee skills within and across firm boundaries.
IJPDLM Yet, research that examines leveraging knowledge as a critical organizational resource in
50,3 Chinese logistics and distribution contexts is relatively scarce. Finally, consistent with
previous work in SCM contexts (e.g. Flint et al., 2005), organizational learning theory (Argyris
and Schon, 1978) could also be very useful for examining how Chinese retail and distribution
firms react and learn from other companies’ logistics and distribution innovations to stay
competitive in rapidly changing commercial and regulatory environments.
316 Lastly, the impact of technology on supply chain processes is a well-studied phenomenon
(e.g. Daugherty et al., 2005; Kros et al., 2011). However, recent research had indicated that the
process of technology adoption and routinization requires social support (e.g. Sodero et al.,
2019). Given the widely acknowledged cultural differences between Chinese and Western
societies (Hofstede, 1991; Hofstede and Bond, 1988), it is apparent that Western firms
seeking to replicate technology-driven logistics innovations in China may encounter
substantial difficulties. Although recent studies have adopted socio-technical systems
theory in examining how firms utilize technologies to enhance business processes (e.g. Closs
et al., 2008; Kull et al., 2013), it remains clear that there exists substantial research
opportunities in understanding cultural influence on how Western firms may adopt logistics
innovations originated in China.
Conclusion
This is truly an exciting time to be in the logistics and distribution industry – and to be a
logistics practitioner or researcher. Logistics and distribution innovations in China are just
part of multiple large-scale changes in the global logistics ecosystem. We hope the articles in
this special issue will stimulate managers’ and academics’ interest in better understanding
and implementing logistics and distribution innovations.
Haozhe Chen
Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
Yao Jin
Department of Management, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA, and
Baofeng Huo
College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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