Managerial perceptions of energy in logistics

Abstract

Purpose Because of the major contribution of logistics to the greenhouse gas effect, logistics research has begun to address the topic of energy, but it has not yet targeted the role of energy within logistical decision-making processes. To facilitate such endeavors, the purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of energy which managers in logistics organizations portray. Design/methodology/approach This investigation is based on interviews with 17 managers. The findings are embedded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stakeholder theory (SHT). Findings The study depicts initial insights on which energy-related perceptions exist, how they can be categorized into attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls (PBCs), and how different stakeholders seem to affect them. Research limitations/implications This research suggests a tentative comprehensive conceptual framework that describes the role of energy in logistical decision-making processes. The findings on attitudes and subjective norms appear to be unspecific to the logistics domain, whereas some of the PBCs are presumably unique to the logistics context. Future logistics research should hence focus its efforts on the PBCs. Generalizability and completeness of the managerial perceptions must be validated by future research. Practical implications The findings help logistics organizations in scrutinizing managerial perspectives on energy and in developing awareness-raising measures. Originality/value The behavioral perspective applied in this study can complement extant, more technically oriented views. The conceptual framework that integrates the TPB and SHT may also be useful for organizational research beyond the logistics domain.

Assessing impact of consumer perceived CSR on consumer attitude and purchase behaviour in retail segment: a stakeholder theory perspective

“…According to the TPB, a firm's attitude and behavioural control determine its sustainability approach. Furthermore, Busse et al (2017) studied SHT and TPB in combination, ensuring connectedness with fundamental research in the disciplines of psychology and strategic management. SHT posits stakeholder requests for energy consideration in logistics, that is, external stakeholders in the firm's broader and functioning environment, as well as internal stakeholders.…”

Understanding and addressing risks and uncertainties in omnichannel product returns: A series of empirical studies

“…We draw from the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) to better understand the role of nudges in the decision-making process of return channel choice. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used to explain and predict behavior in a variety of supply chain management topics, including logistics outsourcing (Rintala et al, 2021) attitude-behavior relationships in recycling (Flygansvaer et al, 2021;Guagnano et al, 1995), the role of energy in logistics (Busse et al, 2017), and green supply chain management practices (Lee et al, 2021).…”