Organizational Mindfulness and the Development of Information Technology for Logistics Operations: The Experience of an Apparel Company

Abstract

With ten years of apparel retailing operations and thirty years of franchising experience for clothing merchandise, Apparel Retailer and Franchiser1 (ARF) has evolved into one of the largest apparel companies in the Asia Pacific region. A factor contributing to the success of ARF is its extensive use of information technology (IT) to enhance the productivity and service performance of its logistics operations. Based upon the Institutional Theory and organizational mindfulness perspectives using case study research methodology, we examine the institutional pressures faced by ARF with respect to its IT development, and explore how ARF resolves the institutional pressures in the course of developing IT applications for managing its apparel supply chain. Our study generates useful theoretical and practical insights into how apparel firms can better manage institutional pressures with mindful information technology management (ITM) to improve logistics operations. The case experience provides a supply chain management reference on technological adoption in the apparel industry.