Title: Third-party logistics strategic orientation towards the reverse logistics service offerings

Authors: Mohd. Rizaimy Shaharudin; Suhaiza Zailani; Mahazir Ismail

Addresses: Faculty of Business, Universiti Teknologi MARA, P.O. Box 187, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Accountancy, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business, Universiti Teknologi MARA, P.O. Box 187, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract: This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to study the strategic orientations of Third-Party Logistics (3PLs) relating to the reverse logistics service offerings. 3PLs play an important role with respect to the efficiency and effectiveness of customers' logistics and supply chains function, which is explicitly explained in respect of the relevancy of their existence until to the present point of time. Nevertheless, the growing demand in reverse supply chain services has prompted a review of 3PLs, its present strategic orientation and its response to the demand of reverse supply chain services. In this context, three major green orientation strategies have been identified from the literature - innovation-based, efficiency-based and reputation-based. The institutional theory is used to provide a reasonable base for explaining the need for 3PLs to have the right strategic orientation to provide organisational positioning in delivering effective and efficient reverse supply chain services. Drawing on the proposed framework, both new and established researchers are expected to benefit from the frame of reference for future research.

Keywords: 3PL; third-party logistics; reverse logistics; strategic orientation; reverse supply chains; green orientation strategies; services; institutional theory; innovation; efficiency; reputation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2015.073490

International Journal of Management Practice, 2015 Vol.8 No.4, pp.356 - 374

Received: 07 Mar 2015
Accepted: 22 Oct 2015

Published online: 09 Dec 2015 *

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