Ciência_Iscte
Publicações
Descrição Detalhada da Publicação
Artigo em revista científica
Q2
Green innovations in third-party logistics: Managerial reasons, external stakeholder influences and contingencies in the natural-business environment
Título Revista
Cogent Business and Management
Ano (publicação definitiva)
2025
Língua
Inglês
País
Reino Unido
Mais Informação
Web of Science®
Scopus
Google Scholar
Esta publicação não está indexada no Overton
Abstract/Resumo
Increasing ecological consciousness makes adopting green innovations a strategic concern for third-party logistics providers (3PLs). This article addresses gaps in understanding how 3PLs can strategically leverage green innovations and the business environment characteristics influencing their adoption through a multiple-case study of six environmentally proactive German 3PLs using semi-structured interviews and triangulated with secondary data. Results show varied adoption levels with process innovations linked to cost savings, enhanced reputation and long-term energy independence. Large 3PLs differentiate through green services in eco-aware segments. Moreover, findings highlight the importance of managing external stakeholder relationships and reveal market-related contingencies that create uncertainty and complexity for 3PLs, such as unpredictable technological developments or shifting governmental regulations. Market munificence plays a crucial role in enabling green innovation adoption, with small-/mid-sized 3PLs facing challenges in accessing external green knowledge and personnel. This study is informed by the Natural Resource-based View (NRBV), Stakeholder Theory (ST) and Contingency Theory (CT) perspectives, developing a comprehensive framework that coherently structures the problem-situation and derives propositions for subsequent explanatory investigations. It recommends a step-by-step approach to green innovations, forming diverse partnerships and maintaining communication with shippers to overcome perceived market-related contingencies. Small-/mid-sized 3PLs should consider horizontal cooperation for unified advocacy and shared best practices.
Agradecimentos/Acknowledgements
--
Palavras-chave
Third-party logistics,Sustainability,Green innovation,External stakeholder,Uncertainty,Complexity,Munificence
Classificação Fields of Science and Technology
- Economia e Gestão - Ciências Sociais
Contribuições para os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Nações Unidas
Com o objetivo de aumentar a investigação direcionada para o cumprimento dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável para 2030 das Nações Unidas, é disponibilizada no Ciência_Iscte a possibilidade de associação, quando aplicável, dos artigos científicos aos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Estes são os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável identificados pelo(s) autor(es) para esta publicação. Para uma informação detalhada dos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, clique aqui.