Title: The government's role in logistics and distribution innovations in China

Authors: Yiming Zhuang; Lilly Ye

Addresses: Department of Management, College of Business, Engineering, and Computational and Mathematical Sciences, Frostburg State University, 101 Braddock Rd., Frostburg, MD, 21532, USA ' Department of Marketing and Finance, College of Business, Engineering, and Computational and Mathematical Sciences, Frostburg State University, 101 Braddock Rd., Frostburg, MD, 21532, USA

Abstract: This conceptual research aims to explore the role of the Chinese government, acting as both a primary and secondary stakeholder, in fostering innovations within the logistics and distribution industry to help companies navigate challenges. Utilising stakeholder salience theory, the study presents multiple propositions to elucidate the government's influence, which can be direct or indirect, on this industry. Additionally, we address the changes in government's influence that have occurred in the post-pandemic era. Theoretically, this study fills a significant gap in existing literature by integrating perspectives on logistics, government, and policy, offering novel insights for future studies. Practically, the findings are instrumental for local and foreign companies operating in China's unique socio-political landscape, emphasising the need for heightened awareness of government influence as a critical factor for success.

Keywords: logistics and distribution innovations; government; stakeholder salience theory; power; primary influence; secondary influence; COVID-19; regulations; policies; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2024.142046

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2024 Vol.11 No.1, pp.1 - 20

Received: 12 Sep 2023
Accepted: 15 Dec 2023
Published online: 07 Oct 2024 *

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