PurposeThe use of reverse logistics has received increased attention in the literature, although the role that reverse logistics capabilities plays in enabling firms to achieve cost savings has not been empirically examined. Reverse logistics capabilities can enable retailers to enhance their return policies and improve their overall cost position. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey of 295 retailers, this paper evaluates the influence of customer and retailer related antecedents of reverse logistics capabilities and their subsequent impact on cost savings.FindingsThe results indicate that resource commitments and contractual obligations positively influence reverse logistics capabilities and that these capabilities result in cost savings. Customer opportunism is found to be negatively related to reverse logistics capabilities. It is also reported that reverse logistics capabilities partially mediates the relationship between resource commitments, contractual arrangements, and reverse logistics cost savings.Originality/valueThis work builds on the recent research in reverse logistics; however, unlike other contributions in this research stream, the role of retailers who perform a critical role in this area is addressed.
Exchanges among firms operating in supply chains are complex due to relational embeddedness, i.e., the extent to which relationships, rather than economic rationality, govern firm‐to‐firm interactions. For many years interfirm relationships were assumed to be best managed via coercive tactics. However, for the last two decades much attention has been given in the literature to more relational forms of governance, and recent supply chain research examining relationship nature, magnitude, and type implies the need for an alternative symbiotic explanation for supply chain relationship effectiveness. To address this void in the literature, this article introduces the concept of interorganizational citizenship behaviors (ICB's). Based on a review of literature from multiple business domains, common types of ICB's are identified, and research hypotheses are developed and tested. Future research initiatives and implications for supply chain management practice are also provided.
Purpose -The objective of this paper is to empirically examine the impact that different disposition strategies have on strategic performance in the reverse logistics process. This research also includes the role of the returns policy in the customer decision-making process as a foundation for determining the appropriate disposition strategy. Design/methodology/approach -A general review of the literature and depth interviews with logistics professionals following commonly employed investigative techniques provided the foundation for the study. A survey was developed and mailed to the senior supply chain operations professional at 400 companies in the auto parts industry resulting in 118 usable responses. Findings -The current research shows that under instances of active resource commitment to reverse logistics programs, operations and supply chain managers may expect superior performance by choosing destroying, recycling, refurbishing, and/or remanufacturing of product. Practical implications -If firms focus on reverse logistics activities as a must do, a strategic approach that examines outcomes rather than day-to-day operations is suggested. If managers do not have adequate resource support for reverse logistics, they should destroy the product. The other disposition options all require significant resources in order to reclaim value from returns. Originality/value -Traditional strategy research has focused on the importance of a strategic fit between a firm's internal strengths and weaknesses and the external environment. In contrast, a resource approach stresses internal aspects of the firm. This study combines the two views along with examining the effects of resource commitment.
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