A taxonomy of resources for sustainable shipping management: Their interrelationships and effects on business performance

• Published in: Transportation research. Part E, Logistics and transportation review Logistics and transportation review, 2019-08, Vol.128, p.316-332
• Main Authors: Yuen, Kum Fai, Li, Kevin X., Xu, Gangyan, Wang, Xueqin, Wong, Yiik Diew
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Knowledge-based view theory; Relational theory; Resource-based view theory; Sustainable shipping management
• ISSN: 1366-5545; 1878-5794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2019.06.014

•A taxonomy of resources for sustainable shipping management (SSM) is identified.•Intrafirm (INR), relationship management (ITR) and organisational learning (OLR)•INR aids in the development of ITR and OLR.•INR and ITR enable OLR.•SSM fully-mediates the effects of the resources on business performance. Managing sustainability is a topical issue faced by shipping companies. Rooted on resource theories, the objective of this study is to design a taxonomy of resources that improves sustainable shipping management and examine their interrelationships and effects on sustainable shipping management and business performance. Survey and financial data were collected from 162 shipping companies and analysed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal the following three categories of resources that enhance sustainable shipping management and, subsequently, business performance: (1) intrafirm resources, (2) interfirm relationship management resources and (3) organisational learning resources. Theoretical and managerial implications of our findings are discussed.