James M. Daley

Executive attitudes, organizational size and ethical issues: Perspectives on a service industry

Responding to Randall and Gibsons (1990) call for more rigorous methodologies in empirically-based ethics research, this paper develops propositions — based on both previous ethics research as well as the larger organizational behavior literature — examining the impact of attitudes, leadership, presence/absence of ethical codes and organizational size on corporate ethical behavior. The results, which come from a mail survey of 149 companies in a major U.S. service industry, indicate that attitudes and organizational size are the best predictors of ethical behavior. Leadership and ethical codes contribute little to predicting ethical behavior. The paper concludes with an assessment of the relevant propositions, as well as a delineation of future research needs.

Carrier selection: Do shippers and carriers agree, or not?

Previous carrier selection studies involving both shipper and carrier perspectives have discovered numerous differences between shippers and carriers, at least in terms of mean score comparisons. However, analysis of the relative importance of the selection factors (not reported in previous studies) uniformly shows a high degree of similarity between shippers and carriers. A new shipper-carrier study, investigating a more specific selection (of truckload general freight carriers), discovered a similar dichotomy between the mean score and relative comparisons. The paper concludes by developing several research propositions and by offering suggestions for additional research.

Profiling international freight forwarders: an update

Provides results from a recent empirical study of US‐based international freight forwarders (IFFs). Compares IFF demographics with those from previous empirical research and finds that the IFF industry is still dominated by small companies and that IFFs continue to diversify their revenue bases. Presents information concerning contemporary issues affecting the forwarding industry and finds that IFFs generally view the Internet as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, EDI.

EDI benefits and barriers

Summarizes previous logistics research into the benefits of, and barriers to, electronic data interchange (EDI). Argues that information management in general, and EDI in particular, is vitally important for today’s international freight forwarder. Presents the findings from empirical studies of international freight forwarders and customers of international freight forwarders with respect to EDI benefits and barriers. Suggests that numerous opportunities exist for further research into EDI benefits and barriers across various logistics constituencies.

Assessing International Port Operations

A mail survey was conducted among 535 worldwide water ports and water carriers to learn about (1) the importance of various port selection factors and (2) the influence of contemporary trade issues on international port operations. Analysis of 134 responses (25 per cent response rate) revealed general agreement among respondents in terms of port selection factors, with equipment availability and loss and damage record ranked as most important. However, there was little agreement among survey participants concerning the influence of contemporary trade issues. Comparison by respondent nationality (US, non‐US) revealed that US interests oppose an increase in the value of the US dollar; US respondents also indicate that ports are not secure from terrorist actions. Comparison by primary function (ports, carriers) found substantial disagreement on operational issues and personnel issues.

A Framework for Applying Logistical Segmentation

Most firms have traditionally offered one level of logistics service to all customers. This often results in some customer groups receiving more service than necessary, while other groups receive less service than necessary. The emerging concept of logistical segmentation suggests that companies can structure their logistical offerings to meet the needs and requirements of different customer groups. Uses the “nested” approach from industrial marketing to illustrate an application of logistical segmentation. More specifically, examines the importance of selection factors in modal choice for international sourcing according to geographic location, primary mode of transport, and job responsibilities. Uses empirical data from a group of regional purchasing managers to facilitate understanding of the nested approach.

Improving survey responses with postcards

Abstract Previous research on mail survey response has been focused on consumer and/or student populations, with little effort aimed specifically at industrial organizations. This paper reports on a planned test of the impact of postcard prenotification on large industrial respondents. The results indicate that postcard prenotification had positive impacts on response rates, response speed, and data quality. The study also included analysis of the associated costs.

Profiling International Freight Forwarders: A Benchmark

Presents a contemporary baseline study of US‐based international freight forwarders. Provides much needed information on industry characteristics, which should reduce the occurrences of managers making important distribution decisions based only on conjecture, subjective perceptions and commonly held assumptions. Addresses three research questions, focusing on the selected demographic characteristics of US‐based forwarders; the differences between “pure” forwarders (those concentrating primarily on consolidating shipments for international water transport) and “diversified” forwarders (those providing other intermediary services, those deriving a noticeable portion of revenues from air shipments); and the forwarders′ views as to the primary reason for shippers using their companies. Describes methodology and analyses, results and implications.

Buying influences and perceptions of transportation services

Abstract Variations in supplier expectations among buying center role members can have significant implications for marketing strategy. This study compared the perceptions and preferences of buying center role groups for transportation mode selection. Results indicated meaningful differences between role groups. Implications for the development of marketing strategy are discussed.

Postcard Prenotification in Industrial Surveys: Further Evidence

While mail surveys continue to be a widely used research technique, relatively little empirical research exists that assesses their effectiveness among industrial (commercial) organizations. To address this literature void, the present paper reports the findings from a mail survey of international freight forwarders. More specifically, this paper investigates the influence of postcard prenotification with respect to response rates, response speed, response quality, response bias, and response cost effectiveness. The paper also discusses implications of the results and offers suggestions for further research.