Great divides: internal alignment between logistics and peer functions

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the extant logistics literature on internal functional alignment to: create an inventory of prior research on this issue; identify areas that require additional examination, and; highlight opportunities and approaches for further research.Design/methodology/approach – The paper discuss and presents in tabular form: an overview of existing academic literature on internal alignment between logistics and peer functions inside the firm; methods used in existing literature; interfaces studied by method; under‐examined interfaces between logistics and peer functions; and internal alignment mechanisms studied/suggested.Findings – Most of the research identified has focused on the alignment between logistics and the sales/marketing functions. Thus, studies that examine alignment with several functional areas in the firm that have strong operational interdependencies with logistics are limited. There is also a shortage of research that investigates an...