The Mediating Role of Transportation Practices during COVID-19 Crisis on Sustainable Supply Chain Performance of Thailand Logistics Service Providers

Abstract

This study aims to study the influence of organizational driving forces on transportation practices during COVID-19 crisis and the effect on the sustainability supply chain performance of Thailand logistics service providers. The study used mixed method research technique. The sample included 250 logistics service providers in Thailand. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample. The focus group discussion was conducted with three logistics experts and seven logistics service provider’s top executives, totaling ten key informants. The data gathered was analyzed using structural equation modeling to perform confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis. The results found that organizational driving forces and transportation practices during COVID-19 pandemics typically affect sustainability supply chain performance. In addition, the mediation effects of transportation practices during COVID-19 unveiled the partial mediation in the presence of a direct effect. The qualitative study was found consistent with the quantitative method findings from the industry-specific contexts. Thailand logistics service providers can use the results to plan the supply chain management works, outline strategy of the organization, and develop the business to be more competitive. Academician, moreover, can use research results to advance new knowledge on sustainability supply chain performance as there are limited studies available and the concept can be applied to further research in the similar dimensions to create new knowledge in other industries by adjusting sample and the model in terms of other variables that affect the sustainability supply chain performance in the future.