Abstract
PurposeThe aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review to understand the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in managing humanitarian logistics.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review is conducted based on the steps proposed by Denyer and Tranfield (2009). The context-intervention-mechanism-outcome (CIMO) logic is applied to identify the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics. Thirty-six papers related to the topic are extracted from recognized journal databases and then classified into four categories based on the CIMO logic: situational context, intervention factors, mechanisms and outcomes.FindingsThe study shows that while the context and mechanisms for developing cross-sector partnerships between the humanitarian and the business sector have been examined and illuminated by many researchers, additional research (in particular, empirical studies) is needed to measure outcomes as well as the contributions of partnerships to the performance of humanitarian logistics. In addition to synthesizing the literature in this area, this study also presents challenges of such partnerships.Practical implicationsThe study improves the understanding of the state of cross-sector partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as identifies opportunities for future research in this area. The study provides reasons and motives of initiating humanitarian–business partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as their mechanisms and potential outcomes. This may help in developing successful logistics partnerships with each other.Originality/valueThis is the first systematic literature review to examine the nature of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics using CIMO logic.
Highlights
The importance of effective management of humanitarian supply chains is beyond question
Our study finds that the discussion of outputs and outcomes of humanitarian– business partnerships related to the performance of humanitarian logistics still lacks empirical support
We find that while the importance of humanitarian– business partnerships has been suggested by many papers (Maon et al, 2009; Scholten et al, 2010; Thomas and Fritz, 2006; Tomasini and Van Wassenhove, 2009), partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in managing humanitarian supply chain is an area in need of further research
Summary
The importance of effective management of humanitarian supply chains is beyond question. The stakes in the humanitarian sector are high and a well-managed supply chain is crucial to achieving humanitarian goals (Van Wassenhove, 2006). Several researchers have recommended that the humanitarian sector take lessons from the business sector (Scholten et al, 2010; Tomasini and Van Wassenhove, 2009). It has, for example, been argued that the humanitarian sector would better achieve its goals with greater supply chain collaboration and coordination (Balcik et al, 2010; Van Wassenhove, 2006; Maon et al, 2009), an
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