Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to explain how learning occurs in collaborative retailer–logistics service provider (LSP) relationships. The research is guided by two research questions, addressing absorptive and desorptive capacities and the interaction between these capacities.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a case study of a Swedish, collaborative retailer–LSP dyad. The empirical data are structured around five specific learning situations within the retailer–LSP dyad.FindingsThe findings provide an explanation for how learning occurs within a collaborative retailer–LSP relationship based on subprocesses of absorptive and desorptive capacities. The interaction between these processes is found to rely on two types of support: one-directional and bidirectional. The findings also indicate positive outcomes of learning, such as improved cost efficiencies in warehouse operations, better customer services and improved long-term strategic planning.Practical implicationsThis study shows how retailers and LSPs can learn from each other and together create an improved logistics system for end customers.Originality/valueThis research takes into account absorptive and desorptive capacities in a collaborative retailer–LSP relationship. This study enhances the understanding of inter-organisational learning processes in a retail logistics context.
Highlights
As a result of ongoing mega trends such as digitalisation, e-commerce and omnichannel developments, the retail sector is currently undergoing major changes, in which logistics has been identified as a key source of competitive advantage (Hu€bner et al, 2016; Kembro and Norrman, 2019; Sorkun et al, 2020)
Knowledge provided by the retailer was analysed internally at the logistics service provider (LSP) and further interpreted by asking the retailer follow-up questions about its logistics expertise and needs
Concluding remarks This study has explained how learning occurs in a collaborative retailer–LSP relationship, guided by two research questions addressing absorptive and desorptive capacities and their interaction
Summary
As a result of ongoing mega trends such as digitalisation, e-commerce and omnichannel developments, the retail sector is currently undergoing major changes, in which logistics has been identified as a key source of competitive advantage (Hu€bner et al, 2016; Kembro and Norrman, 2019; Sorkun et al, 2020). Effective and efficient material handling in the warehouse is a crucial component of logistics performance in an omnichannel environment (Kembro and Norrman, 2019), and for e-commerce, the timely and accurate distribution of ordered products is decisive for customer satisfaction (Xing et al, 2011). The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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