A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
Environmental collaboration in supply chains of logistics service providers operating in Finland
Authors: Laari Sini, Solakivi Tomi, Töyli Juuso, Ojala Lauri
Editors: Per Olaf Arnäs, Niklas Arvidsson, Rickard Bergqvist, Mats Johansson, Pehr-Ola Pahlén
Publishing place: Gothenburg
Publication year: 2013
Book title : NOFOMA 2013 - Proceedings of the 25th annual Nordic Logistics Research Network Conference. 4-5 June 2013, Gothenburg
ISBN: 978-91-980973-3-7
Abstract
Purpose World Economic Forum estimates that logistical activity accounts for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Logistics service providers (LSPs) are expected to reduce environmental impacts of their activities. One way to do this is by collaborating. This paper studies environmental collaboration of LSPs operating in Finland and with their suppliers and customers. Design/methodology/approach The analysed sample consists of 644 logistics service providers operating in Finland. Three self-reported sets of measures on the environmental collaboration (internal, suppliers, customers) are studied against a set of background variables such as industry and company size. Descriptive analysis together with ANOVA and regression analysis will be applied. Findings We found a statistically significant connection between company size and environmental collaboration. Moreover, customer base decentralisation negatively impacts environmental collaboration. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the relationships between environmental collaboration and background variables without analysing the impacts on performance. Further research is needed to study the connection between environmental collaboration and firm performance. Practical implications Large companies seem to be more advanced in environmental issues. Therefore, special attention should be paid to support smaller companies’ environmental efforts. Originality/value Knowledge on environmental collaboration is mainly based on manufacturing companies. This study expands existing knowledge into LSPs. The literature review and identification of research directions provide a basis for future research on the effects of environmental collaboration.
Purpose World Economic Forum estimates that logistical activity accounts for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Logistics service providers (LSPs) are expected to reduce environmental impacts of their activities. One way to do this is by collaborating. This paper studies environmental collaboration of LSPs operating in Finland and with their suppliers and customers. Design/methodology/approach The analysed sample consists of 644 logistics service providers operating in Finland. Three self-reported sets of measures on the environmental collaboration (internal, suppliers, customers) are studied against a set of background variables such as industry and company size. Descriptive analysis together with ANOVA and regression analysis will be applied. Findings We found a statistically significant connection between company size and environmental collaboration. Moreover, customer base decentralisation negatively impacts environmental collaboration. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the relationships between environmental collaboration and background variables without analysing the impacts on performance. Further research is needed to study the connection between environmental collaboration and firm performance. Practical implications Large companies seem to be more advanced in environmental issues. Therefore, special attention should be paid to support smaller companies’ environmental efforts. Originality/value Knowledge on environmental collaboration is mainly based on manufacturing companies. This study expands existing knowledge into LSPs. The literature review and identification of research directions provide a basis for future research on the effects of environmental collaboration.
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