Swanson ApplyingTheoriesDisciplines 2017

Applying Theories from Other Disciplines to Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A
Systematic Literature Review

Author(s): David Swanson, Lakshmi Goel, Kristoffer Francisco and James Stock
Source: Transportation Journal , Vol. 56, No. 3, Special Issue: Developing Logistics &
Transportation Theory through Systematic Literature Reviews, Part I (Summer 2017), pp.
299-356
Published by: Penn State University Press
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5325/transportationj.56.3.0299
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Applying Theories from Other Disciplines to Logistics
and Supply Chain Management: A Systematic
Literature Review
David Swanson, Lakshmi Goel, Kristoffer Francisco, and James Stock
Abstract
This systematic literature review focuses on theory-driven research in
logistics and supply chain management (LSCM), giving particular atten-
tion to the originating disciplines of theories used. It is important to
understand the origin of theory and how it has evolved within the LSCM
discipline, because learning the past helps scholars understand the pres-
ent and presage the future. To fulfill that objective, this research catalogs
theories that have been used and also begins to identify how, when, and
why borrowed theories have been adapted for LSCM research. The major
results include theoretical insights such as trends in theory utilization and
the methods and topics where theories are typically used or underused.
The top five theories that have been used in LSCM research actually rep-
resent five different disciplines—management, economics, mathematics,
psychology, and sociology—supporting the multidisciplinary nature of
LSCM. To summarize this research, a forward-looking perspective is taken
to identify potential areas for the application of theory for future LSCM
research. Comments are also provided on how researchers are employing
more theory in the latest period of LSCM development (2011–2015).
Keywords
Systematic literature review, theory, logistics and supply chain management
David Swanson James Stock

Corresponding Author University of South Florida
University of North Florida
david.swanson@unf.edu Transportation Journal, Vol. 56, No. 3, 2017
Copyright © 2017 The Pennsylvania State
Lakshmi Goel
University, University Park, PA
Kristoffer Francisco

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300 / TRANSPORTATION JOURNAL™
Introduction
Thirty-five years have passed since “supply chain management” (SCM) first
appeared in print (Oliver and Weber 1982). Business logistics, which is a
significant part of SCM, is much older as a concept, although as an aca-
demic discipline, it is still less than 50 years old. Typical of any new field of
study, early efforts of academicians and practitioners were focused primar-
ily on describing the field and identifying its basic concepts, policies, and
procedures. Later, scholars began to suggest that the field should develop
some theoretical underpinnings. For example, in the marketing discipline,
academicians, such as Robert Bartels, John Howard, and Shelby Hunt,
argued for the development of marketing theories to better understand the
discipline and how it was practiced. While some marketing theories have
been developed, most theories that have been identified in marketing have
been “borrowed,” that is, they were developed in other disciplines and then
applied to specific or general marketing issues. Similar development can
be seen in the fields of management, industrial engineering, and industrial
marketing (Peters et al. 2013; Urwick 1963; Wren 2005). Theories can provide
new perspectives and help to develop knowledge, and many scholars would
argue that borrowing lenses from other disciplines is necessary. Consider
that the definitions of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) from
the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) include
activities such as coordination, collaboration, human resources, imple-
mentation, and control. Concepts such as these suggest the importance of
learning from disciplines that directly study these behaviors. The potential
of LSCM knowledge to be inspired by other disciplines is virtually endless,
and a structured literature review on previous research can provide a cata-
lyst for developing new knowledge.
The last five years have involved an exponential growth of theory-driven
research in LSCM. In fact, this study finds that nearly twice as many
theory-driven articles were published in the last five years as in the pre-
ceding twenty. Theory borrowed from other disciplines was used early
primarily to develop a basic understanding of LSCM topics. The theories
that were applied were the foundation for understanding basic elements
and concepts in LSCM. As the discipline developed, a larger array of the-
ories from other social sciences were employed in order to examine more
strategic and macro LSCM topics. Additionally, more diverse research tech-
niques, including the use of modeling and simulation, qualitative analy-
ses, and the use of multiple methods for data analysis were employed to
examine these issues.

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Swanson, Goel, Francisco, Stock: Applying Theories to Logistics and SCM \ 301
To keep abreast of knowledge development in the field, it is imperative

to examine the recent role of theory-driven research in LSCM. This exam-
ination will help make the contemporary literature more navigable, man-
ageable, and useful for future research. Unfortunately, there has not been
a critical examination of this literature that delineates how the current era
builds on prior eras that were established in other academic disciplines.
LSCM scholars need an understanding of the changing ways that theories
are being used. To address this research gap and help researchers to under-
stand this bounty of new information, this systematic literature review
(SLR) includes previously unexamined timeframes, including the most
recent period from 2010 to 2015. The exponential growth observed in this
period of LSCM research reveals the direction of the discipline and pro-
vides hints for future research avenues. Among other findings, we show
the increasing importance of topics such as omnichannel retailing, supply
chain partnerships, and alliances.
This research provides a SLR to explore the following research ques-
tion: How are theories from other disciplines used to extend understand-
ing of logistics and supply chain management? In the process of pursuing
this research question, this study makes several contributions to LSCM
literature. First, we extend the understanding of LSCM by examining and
cataloging theories used and highlight the topics, methods, and reasons
for which they are utilized. This study examines the application of theo-
ries borrowed from other disciplines and those developed from within
LSCM. Second, we identify trends in LSCM theory utilization. Specifically,
we identify the most commonly used theories over time, including those
used in conjunction with others. Doing so helps us determine theoretical
gaps and provide directions for future research. We present new insights
into the role of theory, which will benefit the future development of LSCM.
Third, we contribute to the stream of research of literature reviews in LSCM
by replicating and extending prior studies (Defee et al. 2010; Stock 1997).
Finally, and most importantly, this literature review has a wider scope than
previous literature reviews, both by extending the timeframe and by com-
bining research from logistics, supply chain management, and operations
management. Furthermore, the scope is increased both by the number of
years and by the number of journals examined in one study.
We begin by providing a brief review of previous literature reviews on
LSCM theory. Our methodology section provides details about our search
criteria using the Web of Science database and also the software technologies
used. In the course of this research, we examine over 700 articles published

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in eight logistics, SCM, and operations management (OM) journals from

1991 to 2015. Findings are presented first in tabular form. Then we provide a
detailed discussion and analysis of 12 disciplines from which theories have
been borrowed, adapted, and used for LSCM research. This perspective high-
lights trends and future research possibilities. The discussion and analysis
also includes reviews of which disciplines and theories are routinely com-
bined and also includes a review of theory not borrowed but developed in
LSCM. Finally, this article concludes by following the format of Stock (1997)
with a view to the future of theory-driven research in LSCM.
Literature Review
There have been several calls for theoretical development in LSCM to
advance the discipline (Kovács and Spens 2007; Mentzer and Kahn 1995;
Stock 1990, 1996). With the scores of possible theories, concepts, princi-
ples, methods, and approaches from other disciplines that could be applied
in LSCM, identifying all of them would typically be a formidable task.
Fortunately, in 1993, a librarian, Jennifer Bothamley, published a seminal
work titled Dictionary of Theories. Bothamley (1993) that included a descrip-
tion of over 5,000 theories, an indication of when the theories were first
proposed, and a bibliographic reference to a source document where more
information about the theory could be found. This resource was used by
Stock (1997) in developing his article on the application of nonlogistic theo-
ries to the field of logistics, where he identified 41 theories that had already
been applied to LSCM and 52 others that potentially could be applied.
Stock (1997) provides the first comprehensive review of theoretical
LSCM research. This literature review examines all articles, beginning
in 1980, from the four primary logistics journals: Transportation Journal
(TJ), International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
(IJPDLM), International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM), and Journal of
Business Logistics (JBL). This research categorizes theoretical research into
the disciplines of accounting, business/management, computing, eco-
nomics, marketing, mathematics, philosophy, political science, psychol-
ogy, and sociology. In this study, 41 theories were identified from these
disciplines. The primary discipline identified was psychology. Economics
and management also provided a large percentage of the theories used in
LSCM research from 1980 to 1996. Stock also identified 52 other theories
from other disciplines that could be applicable and help the development
of LSCM. These categories remain relevant and are used in the present
literature review.

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An entire special issue of IJPDLM in 1997 was devoted to theories that

have been, or could be, applied to logistics. In that special issue, other
authors examined LSCM utilizing theories such as the utility-function
approach, resource-based theory, the buygrid framework of industrial
buyer behavior, the elaboration likelihood model, psychological contract
theory, organization justice theory, and the means–end value hierarchy
model (Blancero and Ellram 1997; Bookbinder and Lynch 1997; Eckert and
Goldsby 1997; Mentzer, Rutner, and Matsuno 1997; Olavarrieta and Ellinger
1997; Zinszer 1997).
Defee et al. (2010) provide a literature review of theory used in LSCM.
While their study did not categorize the literature by discipline, they did
categorize it by type of theory, such as competitive (e.g., RBV and core
competencies), decision theory (e.g., auction theory and negotiation the-
ory), and marketing (e.g., market orientation and dependence theory).
Defee et al. (2010) researched the same four logistics journals studied by
Stock (1997) with the addition of the Journal of Supply Chain Management
(JSCM). Furthermore, Stock studied theories from 1980 to 1996 and Defee
et al. (2010) reviewed 2004–2009. The Defee et al. (2010) literature review on
LSCM theory has been cited often, especially considering its short period of
availability to researchers. This citation frequency is most likely due to the
rapid increase of theoretically driven research in LSCM in the most recent
period and also to the usability of the article format, which includes mul-
tiple tables that help researchers digest the LSCM literature and find the
most relevant information for their particular studies.
Wong et al. (2012) provide a systematic literature review focused on sup-
ply chain alignment. Although this study does not cast a net wide enough
to encompass all of LSCM, it does provide an interesting cross-disciplinary
examination. The aim of the article is primarily to develop a new theory of
supply chain alignment enablers rather than to provide a literature review
per se, but the literature review is extensive. The yearly scope is large, from
1975 to 2010, and the review includes 253 articles from seven different busi-
ness disciplines. Theories from outside of business disciplines, such as psy-
chology, sociology, and philosophy, are included if they have been used in a
business research study.
There are other literature reviews on theory in LSCM that focus on
a particular theory or method. For example, Fayezi et al. (2012) provide
a structured literature review of applications of agency theory in supply
chain management, and Kauppi (2013) provides a review and research
agenda for the use of institutional theory in operations and supply

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chain management research. Besides these one-focus literature reviews,

there are more reviews that focus on a theory and a topic. For example,
Alexander et al. (2014) provide a literature review that examines decision
theory uses in sustainable supply chain management. Also, Muggy and
Stamm (2014) provide a review of game theory applications in humanitar-
ian operations.
To summarize, there have been many literature reviews on theory in
LSCM; however, the studies are dated. There has not been a comprehen-
sive inventory of LSCM theory since that provided by Defee et al. in 2010.
Furthermore, the extant literature reviews on LSCM theory leave several
areas unexamined, including the following:
1. They omit theoretical research in operations management journals.

2. They do not examine the years 1997–2003, which are between the
periods reviewed by Stock (1997) and Defee et al. (2010).
3. They have not included theoretical research in Supply Chain
Management: An International Journal (SCMIJ), a recently important
academic journal in LSCM.
4. They are not current, especially considering the monumental growth
of theoretical research in LSCM since 2010.
This SLR provides an inventory of theory used in LSCM and categorizes

it by origin discipline. By doing so, it provides a unique disciplinary per-
spective on LSCM research and also seeks to fill the aforementioned gaps in
the academic literature.
Methodology
We conducted an SLR to answer our research question: How are theories
from other disciplines used to extend understanding of logistics and sup-
ply chain management? Our intention was to replicate a similar study by
Stock (1997) and update knowledge in the field by conducting a broader and
more in-depth study. A SLR differs from a traditional review in each phase
of planning, conducting the search, and analysis and reporting of findings
(Tranfield et al. 2003).
Phase 1: Planning and Conducting the Search
Our planning involved defining the parameters of our search—the

sources, number of years to cover, and search criteria and operators
(Armitage and Keeble-Allen 2008). Given our intention to replicate the

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Table 1/Differences between Systematic and Traditional Literature Reviews

Issue Considered Systematic Literature Traditional Reviews
Reviews
Reason for review Start with a clear question May start with a clear research
to be answered or question, but more often involve a
hypothesis to be tested general discussion with no stated
hypothesis
Searching for relevant Use a systematic Do not use a systematic methodology
studies methodology to locate all to locate all relevant literature
published studies to limit
sample biases
Deciding which studies to Explicitly describe what Do not usually describe why certain
include and exclude studies are included, or studies are included or excluded
eliminated, to limit sample
biases
Assessing study quality Examine methods used Often do not consider differences in
in the primary studies in study methods or study quality
a systematic manner, and
investigate sources of
heterogeneity between
study results
Synthesizing results Base conclusions on Often do not differentiate between
methodologically sound methodologically sound and unsound
results studies
Note: Adapted from Petticrew, 2001.
Stock (1997) study, we included the four journals from his study (i.e., the
first four listed below). Next, LSCM research spans multiple disciplines,
including not just those of logistics but also those of supply chain man-
agement (SCM) and operations management (OM). So, to enhance the
breadth of our search, we added journals in these related areas. The cri-
teria for selecting these journals were based on impact factors and on
following the examples set by other journals. Our resultant list included
the following journals: Transportation Journal (TJ), Journal of Business
Logistics (JBL), International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics
Management (IJPDLM), International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM),
Journal of Supply Chain Management (JSCM), Supply Chain Management, an
International Journal (SCMIJ), Journal of Operations Management (JOM), and
Management Science (MS).
We chose to access the content of these journals through Web of
Science because all of the journals and years for our study were found in
this one database, facilitating data management and searching. We pre-
tested several combinations of search terms that would allow us to access
all papers that drew on theory. Prima facie, it appeared that the term “the-
ory” was located either as a keyword or within the abstract for every arti-
cle. The final search terms for the years 1991–2015 in the Web of Science

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search were “theory” and one of “supply chain,” “supply network,” “supply
channel,” “value chain,” “logistics,” “transportation,” “purchasing,” or
“inventory.” We began our search in 1991, because this was the begin-
ning of substantial theory development in LSCM. This beginning can be
observed by the relatively small numbers of theory research prior to 1999
in Figure 2. Also, SCM theory literature did not start to develop until the
early 1990s after its introduction in the mid-1980s. Spurred by an arti-
cle in the Financial Times, research on the topic took some time to fully
mature.
Our search yielded 746 results. While Web of Science helped us sum-
marize results quantitatively, based on variables such as counts of articles
over the years, we needed to do a more in-depth analysis to uncover the role
of theory within the context of the articles for further analysis. We used
a research and reference management tool, Qiqqa, to aid with managing
our dataset and conducting qualitative analysis. Qiqqa allows storage of
multiple PDF documents within a library, with access to their metadata and
citations. A built-in optical character recognition feature provides access
to the content of image files. Qiqqa includes a Google-like search feature for
full-text searches and annotation capabilities across documents. Further
analysis allows exploration of linkages between documents through visu-
alization tools. The results from our search on the Web of Science were
imported into Qiqqa as PDF files.
At this stage, the search results were divided among the authors,
and the metadata for each paper were extracted and coded into Excel.
Specifically, we coded (1) year of publication, (2) journal, (3) author, (4) jour-
nal type (i.e., logistics, SCM, or OM), (5) title of the article, (6) major topic,
(6) research method employed, (7) reason for use of theory, and (8) theories
used. At the end of this phase, we had the articles from our search loaded in
Qiqqa and information about them in Excel.
Phase 2: Preparing Search Results for Analysis
The categories used to identify major topics and research methods were
drawn from Tables VI and VII in Defee et al. (2010, 415, 418). However, given
recent trends and expanding streams of research, such as humanitarian
logistics and sustainability, it was necessary to add some categories for this
more recent SLR. Further, Defee et al. (2010) suggest that future research
should explore the basis, or reason, for the use of a theory (420). Adopting
this suggestion, we added the reason for use of theory in our classification
scheme. See Table 2 for a list of categories used for the variables: Major
Topics, Method, and Reason.

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After a preliminary round of classification, it was determined that

some papers did not fit our research objective; that is, even though they
had the search term “theory,” they did not use a theory for their study. Such
articles included editorials, calls for papers, literature reviews, papers that
used grounded theory as their methodology, or meta-analytical studies.
We eliminated these from our dataset, leaving 518 results. We conducted
an inter-rater reliability assessment between the authors to ensure validity
and consistency. Our inter-rater reliability was 0.94.
Table 2/Categories Used for Major Topic, Method, and Reason

Major Topic Method Reason
3PL Analytical model Develop hypotheses
Collaboration Archival Develop models
Consumer behavior Case study Develop research questions
Coordination Conceptual Explain data
Customer service Content analysis Framework development
Demand management Experiment design General theory development
forecasting
Human resources Interview Meta-analysis or literature review
Humanitarian logistics Literature review
Information technology Meta-analysis
Innovation Mixed methods
Integration Other
Inventory Qualitative
Logistics and distribution Scale development
Miscellaneous Simulation
Network analysis Survey
Performance measurement
Production
Purchasing
Quality
Relationships
Research trends and
methods
Reverse
Risk
Sourcing
Strategy
Sustainability
Transportation

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Many of the papers in our search used multiple theories, and others
referred to a particular theory using multiple and slightly different terms.
Our next step was to identify the number of unique theories in our dataset
and standardize the way a theory was coded for each article. We decided to
use the statistical package R to help us semi-automate this analysis. R is an
open source software environment for statistical computing and visualiza-
tion. It has an integrated suite of software functions for data manipulation,
which allowed us to clean our Excel dataset easily.
We used the following methodology:
1. We utilized the delimiting “text to columns” function in Excel to seg-

regate the theories from one cell separated by semicolons to several
individual cells containing individual theories (Theory1, Theory2,
etc.).
2. These results were imported into R, and we obtained a list of the
theories we identified, with aggregate numbers of how often they
were used.
3. We determined that references to some theories can be grouped
together; for example, “transaction cost theory” was displayed sev-
eral ways due to spelling, capitalization, or personal conventions by
each coder. Alternate ways included “Transaction cost economics,”
“transaction cost,” “transaction cost economic,” “transaction cost
economics,” “Transaction Cost Economics,” “Transaction cost eco-
nomics (TCE)”, “transaction cost economics theory,” “transaction
cost theory,” “TRANSACTION COST THEORY,” “transaction cost
theory (TCT),” “Transaction cost theory (TCT),” “transaction cost
view,” “transaction costs.”
4. In the example described in step 3, the references can be “grouped”
together as “transaction cost theory.” Thus, we created a “new” group
variable (i.e., dummy variable) coded as “TransCost” to standardize
all of the references to “transaction cost theory.”
5. Similarly, codes were created for each unique grouping of theories,
or individual theories. In sum, we had 210 codes from our analysis in
R that were written back into our master Excel table.
Our final preparatory step was to identify the referent disciplines for
each theory. We used Stock (1997) and Bothamley (1993) as starting points
that had already identified the originating discipline of 25% of the new the-
ories in our SLR, leaving many theories that were not identified in either

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of the prior lists. To identify the referent disciplines for those theories, we
had to look for the seminal papers for each theory. We divided the unique
theories between the authors to identify the disciplines, and we validated
our results through an inter-rater reliability check, which yielded an index
of 0.96.
The original list of disciplines is largely the same as that used by Stock
(1997). We needed to add two disciplines: “Communication” and “Systems.”
Also, the descriptions of some of the disciplines were expanded to include
some related research. For example, the “Accounting” discipline was
expanded to include financial theory. Also, the “Business/Management”
discipline is now called “Management,” but includes some subcategories
such as strategy and organizational structure.
Our final, clean dataset contained 518 papers that referenced 210 theo-
ries from 12 disciplines.
List of Disciplines
Accounting: The accounting discipline includes theories such as deriva-

tives, portfolio theory, and prospective account theory.
Communication: The communication discipline includes theories such as
innovation diffusion theory, information richness theory, and commu-
nication theory.
Computer Science: The computer science discipline includes theories
such as coordination theory, design science, and modularity logic.
Economics: The economics discipline includes theories such as transac-
tion cost economics, competition theory, and economies of scope.
Management: As mentioned earlier, the management discipline includes
several subdisciplines, such as information systems (e.g., information
processing theory), business strategy (e.g., strategic fit theory and risk
management), and organizational structure (e.g., agency theory and
the resource-based view of the firm).
Marketing: The marketing discipline includes theories such as customer
value theory, power-relationship commitment theory, and service-
dominant logic theory.
Mathematics: The mathematics discipline includes theories such as queu-
ing theory, game theory, and complexity theory.
Philosophy: The Philosophy discipline includes theories such as the criti-
cal realism perspective and Lakatosian theory.
Political Science: The political science discipline includes theories such as
social contract theory and constituency-based theory.

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Psychology: The psychology discipline provides many theories for

LSCM research including the relational view, advantage theory, con-
strual theory, and social identity theory.
Sociology: The sociology discipline provides many theories for LSCM
research including institutional theory, social exchange theory, and
social capital theory.
Systems: The systems discipline includes information systems and
engineering.
Summary of the Methodology
Our research protocol is represented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Research Protocol

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Tabular Summaries and Information

In this section, we provide, sort, and summarize the SLR data in multiple
ways to allow better understanding of the major aspects and the trends
found in the data. We analyze disciplines by year, topic, journal, and journal
type. We also examine the association of disciplines with research methods
and the purpose for which the theories are used.
Overview of Theories
The SLR results showed a total of 210 theories in 518 research articles. These
theories represented 12 disciplines. Many of the research articles utilized
multiple theories rooted in multiple disciplines. Table 3 lists all of the theo-
ries, the founding disciplines, and the number of articles that feature each
theory. These theories were used a total of 746 times by the 518 articles that
were analyzed. Note that to be counted, the theories had to play a promi-
nent role in the research; merely being defined and cited in a research arti-
cle was not counted as playing a role in the theoretical development of the
research.
Table 3/List of Theories, Disciplines, and Count of Articles
Theory Discipline Articles %
Absorptive capacity Management 2 0.27
Actor–network theory Sociology 1 0.13
Adaptive structuration theory Sociology 1 0.13
Advantage theory Psychology 1 0.13
Agency theory Management 20 2.68
Ambidexterity theory Management 2 0.27
Approximation theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Attribution theory Psychology 2 0.27
Balance theory Psychology 1 0.13
Bandwagon theory Political science 1 0.13
Bargaining theory Political science 3 0.4
Behavioral theory Psychology 4 0.54
Boundary theory Economics 3 0.4
Capability theory Economics 1 0.13
Chaos theory Mathematics 3 0.4
Classical microeconomic theory Economics 1 0.13
Cluster theory Economics 2 0.27
Coalition theory Sociology 1 0.13
Co-evolutionary theory of global Management 1 0.13
organizations
(Continues)

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Table 3/List of Theories, Disciplines, and Count of Articles (Continued)

Cognitive dissonance theory Psychology 1 0.13
Commitment theory Marketing 2 0.27
Communication theory Communications 3 0.4
Competence and capability theory Management 12 1.61
Competing values theory Economics 1 0.13
Competition theory Economics 1 0.13
Competitive equilibrium Economics 1 0.13
Complementarity theory Psychology 2 0.27
Complexity theory Mathematics 6 0.8
Congruency theory Management 1 0.13
Constituency-based theory Political science 2 0.27
Construal theory Psychology 1 0.13
Contemporary career theory Management 1 0.13
Contingency theory Political science 33 4.42
Contract theory Economics 1 0.13
Control theory Psychology 3 0.4
Coordination theory Computer science 3 0.4
Crime displacement theory Political science 1 0.13
Critical realism perspective Philosophy 2 0.27
Cross-cultural theory Sociology 1 0.13
Customer value theory Marketing 2 0.27
Decision theory Economics 3 0.4
Demand uncertainty theory Marketing 1 0.13
Demand-side perspective Marketing 1 0.13
Derivatives Accounting 1 0.13
Design science theory Computer science 3 0.4
Diffusion of innovation theory Communications 7 0.94
Discrete choice theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Driver control theory Psychology 1 0.13
Dynamic capabilities theory Management 6 0.8
Dynamic theory Psychology 1 0.13
Economic organization theory Economics 1 0.13
Economic survival theory Economics 1 0.13
Economic theory Economics 3 0.4
Economic theory of consumer choice Economics 1 0.13
Economies of scope theory Economics 1 0.13

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Enactment theory Management 2 0.27
Equity theory Psychology 1 0.13
Evidence-based management theory Management 1 0.13
Exchange theory Economics 1 0.13
Expectation-disconfirmation theory Psychology 3 0.4
Factor analytic theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Factor-market rivalry theory Economics 1 0.13
Fiske’s theory of relational forms Sociology 1 0.13
Force field theory Sociology 3 0.4
Fuzzy set theory Mathematics 2 0.27
Game theory Mathematics 40 5.36
General systems theory Systems 5 0.67
Global trade management Management 1 0.13
Goal-setting theory Psychology 1 0.13
Governance theory Political science 2 0.27
Graph theory Mathematics 3 0.4
Heavy traffic theory Mathematics 1 0.13
High reliability theory Management 2 0.27
Human capital theory Economics 1 0.13
Inducement-contribution theory Management 1 0.13
Industrial buyer behavior theory Marketing 1 0.13
Industrial network theory Management 1 0.13
Industrial organization economics Economics 1 0.13
Information processing theory Psychology 11 1.47
Information richness theory Communications 1 0.13
Institutional entrepreneurship theory Management 2 0.27
Institutional theory Sociology 25 3.35
Interdependence theory Psychology 3 0.4
Interdisciplinary research theory Systems 1 0.13
Internalization theory Psychology 2 0.27
Intra-organizational influence theory Management 4 0.54
Inventory theory Management 16 2.14
Inverted U theory Psychology 1 0.13
IS success theory Systems 1 0.13
Knowledge based view Management 11 1.47
Knowledge chain theory Philosophy 1 0.13
(Continues)

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Lakatosian theory Philosophy 1 0.13
Learning theory Psychology 2 0.27
Level-crossing theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Location theory Economics 1 0.13
Logistics platform theory Management 1 0.13
Logistics theory Management 1 0.13
Loose coupling theory Systems 1 0.13
Management coefficients theory Management 1 0.13
Management theory Management 3 0.4
Marketing theory Marketing 2 0.27
Mathematical theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Mean–variance theory Mathematics 2 0.27
Mechanism design theory Economics 1 0.13
Metaparadigmatic theory Philosophy 1 0.13
Military theory–bidirectional channel Marketing 1 0.13
competition
Modularity logic Computer science 1 0.13
Multi-echelon Inventory Theory Mathematics 2 0.27
Multi-tier supply chain management Management 1 0.13
theory
Nash theory Economics 3 0.4
Natural resource scarcity Economics 2 0.27
Negotiation theory Psychology 1 0.13
Neighborhood rough set theory Mathematics 2 0.27
Network effects Economics 1 0.13
Network theory Systems 6 0.8
Normal accident theory Systems 5 0.67
Operations management theory Management 4 0.54
Organizational capability theory Management 1 0.13
Organizational change theory Management 1 0.13
Organizational culture theory Management 1 0.13
Organizational information processing Management 5 0.67
theory
Organizational learning theory Management 5 0.67
Organizational support theory Management 1 0.13
Organizational theory Economics 20 2.68
Performance management theory Management 4 0.54
Personality trait theory Psychology 1 0.13

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Planned behavior Psychology 1 0.13
Porter’s generic theories Marketing 1 0.13
Portfolio theory Accounting 1 0.13
Power regimes Management 2 0.27
Power–relationship commitment Marketing 1 0.13
theory
Procedural justice theory Political science 4 0.54
Process perspective Management 1 0.13
Prospect theory Economics 5 0.67
Prospective account theory Accounting 1 0.13
Punctuated equilibrium theory Systems 1 0.13
Queueing theory Mathematics 4 0.54
Random walk theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Rational efficiency theory Economics 1 0.13
Rational process theory Economics 1 0.13
Real options theory Economics 3 0.4
Referent-dependence theory Economics 1 0.13
Regulatory focus theory Psychology 1 0.13
Relational exchange theory Psychology 17 2.28
Relationship life-cycle theory Marketing 1 0.13
Renewal theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Resource dependence theory Management 19 2.55
Resource orchestration theory Management 1 0.13
Resource-advantage theory Management 11 1.47
Resource-based view Management 71 9.52
Risk management Management 1 0.13
SCM theory Management 1 0.13
Servant leadership theory Management 1 0.13
Service theory Marketing 1 0.13
Service-dominant logic theory Marketing 5 0.67
Signaling theory Economics 3 0.4
Situational crime prevention Political science 1 0.13
Social capital theory Sociology 12 1.61
Social contract theory Political science 1 0.13
Social dilemma theory Psychology 3 0.4
Social exchange theory Sociology 16 2.14
Social identity theory Psychology 1 0.13
(Continues)

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Social network theory Sociology 8 1.07
Social science theory Sociology 1 0.13
Sociocognitive theory Psychology 1 0.13
Socio-technical systems Systems 4 0.54
Spirals theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Stakeholder and resource Management 19 2.55
orchestration theories
Stewardship theory Management 1 0.13
Stochastic approximation theory Mathematics 1 0.13
Strategic fit theory Management 1 0.13
Strategic management theory Management 3 0.4
Strategic network theory Systems 1 0.13
Strategic-choice theory Sociology 7 0.94
Strategy–structure–performance Management 2 0.27
theory
Structural inertia theory Management 1 0.13
Supply chain cooperation theory Management 1 0.13
Supply chain theory Management 7 0.94
Symbolism Philosophy 1 0.13
System reliability theory Systems 2 0.27
Task–technology fit theory Computer science 1 0.13
Technology adoption Sociology 1 0.13
Theories of intermediation Management 1 0.13
Theory of constraints Management 1 0.13
Theory of customer appraisal Psychology 1 0.13
Theory of customer exchange Marketing 1 0.13
Theory of dynamic program duality & Mathematics 1 0.13
approximations
Theory of incentives Economics 1 0.13
Theory of institutional economics Economics 1 0.13
Theory of majorization Mathematics 1 0.13
Theory of operant conditioning Psychology 1 0.13
Theory of perceived risk Management 1 0.13
Theory of planned behavior Psychology 3 0.4
Theory of production competence Management 2 0.27
Theory of psychological reactance Psychology 1 0.13
Theory of reasoned action Psychology 4 0.54
Theory of swift, even flow Management 2 0.27
Theory of the firm Economics 1 0.13

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Theory on customer attractiveness Psychology 1 0.13
Theory-constitutive metaphors Psychology 1 0.13
Threat-rigidity theory Management 1 0.13
Transaction cost economics Economics 47 6.3
Transaction value theory Economics 1 0.13
Unified service theory Management 1 0.13
Upper echelons theory Management 2 0.27
Utility theory Economics 2 0.27
Value chain theory Management 1 0.13
Table 4/The Most Used Theories in LSCM

Resource-based view Management 71 17.8
Transaction cost economics Economics 47 11.8
Game theory Mathematics 40 10
Contingency theory Political science 33 8.3
Institutional theory Sociology 25 6.3
Organizational theory Economics 20 5
Agency theory Management 20 5
Resource dependence theory Management 19 4.8
Stakeholder & resource Management 19 4.8
orchestration theories
Relational exchange theory Psychology 17 4.3
Inventory theory Management 16 4
Social exchange theory Sociology 16 4
Competence and capability theory Management 12 3
Social capital theory Sociology 12 3
Information processing theory Psychology 11 2.8
Knowledge-based view Management 11 2.8
Resource-advantage theory Management 11 2.8
LSCM is truly a multidisciplinary research area, and this multidisci-

plinarity begins with the five most prominent theories playing a role in
LSCM theoretical development since 1991: the resource-based view, trans-
action cost economics, game theory, contingency theory, and institutional
theory. These do not represent a dominant discipline but rather represent
five different disciplines: management, economics, mathematics, political
science, and sociology, respectively. The most commonly used theories are
provided in table 4.

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LSCM Theory by Year and Origin
There has been a substantial increase in theory-driven research in LSCM.

This increase is quickly evident from observing figure 2. Note that the
upward momentum began in the period when Mentzer and Kahn (1995)
stressed the importance of theory-driven research and when IJPDLM pub-
lished the special issue on theoretical research, which included the Stock
(1997) call for LSCM theoretical research. Seeing the escalation of theoret-
ically driven research is really no surprise for LSCM researchers who have
been part of this effort, and the initial call has been retold by many subse-
quent researchers (Carter et al. 2015; Chen and Paulraj 2004; Fawcett and
Waller 2011; Harland et al. 2006; Miles and Snow 2007). However, the rapid
escalation of theoretical research in LSCM since 1991 is no less impressive
when seen visually represented in figure 2.
There was a drop in theoretical research in 2015, but we expect that this
is only an anomaly and not an indication that theoretical research in LSCM
is beginning a decline. The drop may be related to the substantial increase
in theoretical research articles in 2014. It is possible that all of the 2015
research has not been fully updated in the Web of Science. Given publica-
tion cycles, it may take shorter or longer periods of time before articles are
published after their submission, review, and acceptance in their respective
journals.
The exponential growth is good news for the development of the sup-
ply chain discipline, which has successfully benefited from, and also sup-
ported, the research in 12 other academic disciplines. Generally, theories
rooted in all of the disciplines have been used in LSCM since the mid-1990s,
but some more than others.
The large growth in the use of theories from some disciplines is largely
attributable to the widespread utilization of a few primary theories. For
example, transaction cost economics is a primary reason for the consis-
tent growth in economics theory, and the resource-based view takes much
credit for the contribution from management. These contributions are not
to be diminished just because they come from fewer theories. A contribu-
tion is a contribution regardless of whether it proposes the application of a
new theory or builds upon an existing theory. The development of theories
is a gradual process that benefits from replication and testing in a variety of
different contexts (Goldsby and Autry 2011). Table 5 shows the total count
of theory-driven research by discipline.

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Total
1991 1994 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Total
Figure 2 Yearly Theoretical Research

120
100
80
60
40
20

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Table 5/Count and Percentage of Theory-Driven Articles by Discipline

Discipline Total %
Management 269 36
Economics 120 16
Sociology 80 11
Psychology 77 10
Mathematics 76 10
Political science 49 7
Systems 27 4
Marketing 20 3
Communication 11 1
Computer science 8 1
Philosophy 6 1
Accounting 3 0.4
Theories from management, economics, mathematics, psychology, and

sociology have been used most frequently for LSCM research. The number
of times that theories from each of these disciplines have been used fluctu-
ates widely, but generally the trends from each of them are increasing, with
the exception of mathematics. Figure 3 shows the trends of theory utiliza-
tion from the five “most borrowed from” disciplines. Management leads in
the number of times that theories from the discipline have been borrowed
and applied to LSCM research. Generally, theory usage has increased for all
the major supporting disciplines of LSCM research.
LSCM Major Topics
This section provides information and discussion on the major logistics

research topics, such as collaboration, transportation, and network anal-
ysis, and which disciplines provide theoretical support for them. The
major LSCM research topics and the disciplines associated with them
are provided in table 6. Examining this table provides some interesting
observations. Notice that economics has provided theoretical support
for all 24 topic areas studied. Management, mathematics, sociology, and
psychology provide theoretical support for almost all of the major topics.
Economic theories are mostly associated with relationships/collaboration
and purchasing. Psychology theories rank highest in the research top-
ics of integration and relationships/collaboration. Sociology theories
rank highest in the research topics of purchasing and relationships/
collaboration.

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Total
1991 1994 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Total
Figure 3 Trend of Five Primary Disciplines

120
100
80
60
40
20

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Table 6/Disciplines and Major Topics (Percentages)
Panel A
Discipline 3PL & Consumer Coordination Customer Demand Management/ Human Humanitarian Information
Outsourcing Behavior Service forecasting Resources logistics Technology
Accounting 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Communication 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1
Computer science 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
Economics 1.1 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.5
Management 0.1 1.2 0.3 0.1 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.4
Marketing 2.1 0.3 1.2 0.1 0.4 1.1 0.3 2.0
Mathematics 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0
Philosophy 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

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Political science 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.4

Psychology 0.4 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3
Sociology 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5
Systems 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1
Total 4.7 3.5 2.8 1.2 2.0 1.5 0.7 4.6

Panel B
Discipline Innovation Integration Inventory Logistics and Network Performance Production Purchasing
Distribution analysis Measurement
Accounting 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Communication 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4
Economics 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.4 2.7
Management 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.9
Marketing 0.9 2.4 2.3 0.8 0.3 2.4 0.1 3.4
Mathematics 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.3
Philosophy 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1

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Psychology 0.1 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.3 1.7

Sociology 0.1 0.5 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.1 2.0
Systems 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.4
Total 2.4 6.2 4.4 2.4 1.6 4.6 1.6 13.7
(Continues)
Table 6/Disciplines and Major Topics (Percentages) (Continued)
Panel C
Discipline Quality Relationships + Research Reverse Risk Strategy Sustainability Transportation Grand Total
Collaboration trends and logistics
Methods
Accounting 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.4
Communication 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.5
Computer science 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 1.1
Economics 0.1 2.9 0.8 0.3 0.9 1.1 0.5 0.3 16.1
Management 0.0 0.5 0.7 0.0 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.0 10.2
Marketing 0.4 4.2 1.3 0.3 1.2 4.6 3.5 0.5 36.1
Mathematics 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 2.7
Philosophy 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.8

Political science 0.0 1.7 0.3 0.0 0.8 0.1 0.3 0.1 6.6
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Psychology 0.1 2.1 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.4 10.3

Sociology 0.0 2.8 0.4 0.0 0.4 0.9 1.2 0.0 10.7
Systems 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.8 0.3 0.0 0.0 3.6
Total 0.9 15.1 4.0 1.1 5.1 8.6 6.0 1.3 100.0
LSCM Research Methods
This section provides information and discussion on the different research

methods used in LSCM, such as survey, archival, analytical, or qualitative,
and particularly addresses the disciplines from which theoretical support
was gained. This analysis shows some interesting results. Theories from
psychology and sociology are primarily used for conceptual and survey-
based research. It is also interesting and consistent with expectations that
analytical modeling research primarily borrows from economics, math-
ematics, and management. Please see the percentages in table 7 for more
information.
Theories from all disciplines, with the exception of mathematics and
philosophy, are used primarily for survey-based research. Systems has a
slight majority in survey research, but is equally distributed among case
studies, conceptual studies, literature reviews, and mixed methods, in
addition to survey research. Mathematical theories are used mainly in ana-
lytical modeling studies. Philosophical theories are primarily used for con-
ceptual studies, and they have small, evenly balanced uses for case studies,
simulation, and mixed methods. Survey research is the major methodology
used by LSCM researchers, which accounts for 30% of all LSCM research.
Second place is nearly a three-way tie between conceptual (13%), case stud-
ies (12%), and analytical modeling (11%).
LSCM Research Purpose
This analysis similarly provides some interesting observations. The

most common purpose for borrowing theories from other disciplines is
hypothesis development, and the second most common purpose is the
development of research questions and propositions. Not far behind these
are borrowing theories for model development, framework development,
and general theory development. The smallest categories, which repre-
sent under 1% of theory development in LSCM, are scale development and
literature reviews.
Additional granular observations can be made as well. For example,
theories from the computer science discipline are primarily used for frame-
work development and theories from the systems discipline are primarily
used for general theory development, hypothesis testing, and research
question development—three categories that were nearly equal in repre-
sentation. Theories that have originated in marketing are equally used for
framework development and hypothesis testing. Mathematics theories are
primarily used for model development. See table 8.
(Continues)

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Table 7/Disciplines and Research Methods (Percentages)

Panel A
Analytical Archival Case Conceptual Content Experimental Literature

Modeling Study Analysis Design Review
Accounting 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1
Communication 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1
Computer science 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0
Economics 1.3 0.9 1.5 2.0 0.0 1.2 1.7
Management 2.1 3.6 5.4 4.4 0.0 0.1 3.4
Marketing 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.4
Mathematics 5.9 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.7
Philosophy 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0
Political science 0.4 0.3 0.7 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.4
Psychology 0.4 0.4 0.4 2.3 0.0 1.1 0.7
Sociology 0.3 0.4 1.2 1.9 0.0 0.1 0.5
Systems 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.4
Grand Total 11.0 6.3 11.5 13.4 0.1 3.4 8.4
Panel B
Row Labels Meta- Mixed Qualitative Simulation Survey Grand total

analysis methods
Accounting 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4
Communication 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 1.5
Computer science 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 1.1
Economics 0.1 1.2 1.2 0.4 4.4 16.1
Management 1.1 1.1 2.9 0.4 11.5 36.1
Marketing 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 1.2 2.7
Mathematics 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.8 0.1 10.2
Philosophy 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.8
Political science 0.3 0.5 0.8 0.3 2.4 6.6
Psychology 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.0 3.9 10.3
Sociology 0.1 1.1 0.7 0.0 4.4 10.7
Systems 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.9 3.6
Grand Total 2.0 5.0 6.8 2.1 29.9 100.0

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Table 8/Disciplines and Research Purpose (Percentages)

Panel A
Disciplines Explain Framework General Theory Hypotheses Literature
Data Development Development Development Review
Accounting 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Communication 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.7 0.0
Computer science 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.0
Economics 1.2 1.6 1.6 6.3 0.3
Management 0.7 4.7 4.4 15.1 0.3
Marketing 0.0 0.8 0.3 0.8 0.0
Mathematics 0.4 0.7 0.9 0.4 0.0
Philosophy 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0
Political science 0.3 0.9 0.1 3.4 0.0
Psychology 0.3 1.2 0.9 5.0 0.0
Sociology 0.1 1.1 0.7 5.2 0.0
Systems 0.0 0.7 0.8 0.9 0.0
Total 3.2 12.7 10.1 37.9 0.5
Panel B
Disciplines Meta-analysis Model Research RQ Scale Grand
or Literature Development Questions & Development Development Total
Review Propositions
Accounting 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4
Communication 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 1.5
Computer science 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 1.1
Economics 0.3 1.6 0.8 2.4 0.0 16.1
Management 2.0 2.5 1.9 3.9 0.5 36.1
Marketing 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.4 0.0 2.7
Mathematics 0.1 3.9 1.3 2.3 0.1 10.2
Philosophy 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.8
Political science 0.1 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.0 6.6
Psychology 0.1 1.1 1.1 0.7 0.0 10.3
Sociology 0.3 0.5 0.9 1.7 0.1 10.7
Systems 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.7 0.0 3.6
Total 2.9 11.4 7.5 12.9 0.8 100.0

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LSCM Research by Journals
By examining table 9, it can be seen that JOM has the most theory-oriented
articles, followed by SCMIJ. TJ and IJLM have the fewest theory-driven
articles in the research period. These numbers may be due partially to the
characteristics of authors that contribute to JOM, who are typically oper-
ations research academicians who examine more theoretical and abstract
issues and topics. Conversely, authors contributing to TJ and IJLM have
more of an applied focus, and hence a less theoretical orientation.
LSCM Research by Journal Type
Our results indicate that theoretically driven research in LSCM was first
evident in the operations management journals (JOM and MS) that were
examined in this SLR. Theory research in supply chain management jour-
nals (JSCM and SCMIJ) began to surface in 2003 and in logistics journals (TJ,
JBL, IJPDLM, and IJLM) in 2005. Keep in mind that the search terms for this
SLR require certain terms, such as “theory,” to be in the abstract or key-
words. By examining the trend lines of each of these journal types, it can be
seen that theoretical research in the operations management journals has
been steadily increasing on roughly the same trajectory from 1991 to 2015.
However, the trends of theory utilization in SCM and logistics journals have
Table 9/Research by Discipline and Journal (Percentages)

Discipline TJ JBL IJPDLM IJLM JSCM SCMIJ JOM MS
Accounting 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.13
Communication 0.00 0.13 0.27 0.27 0.13 0.13 0.54 0.00
Economics 0.40 0.94 2.28 0.67 0.94 3.62 4.56 2.68
Management 0.94 4.69 4.83 4.42 5.36 5.09 8.58 2.14
Marketing 0.27 0.40 0.54 0.54 0.27 0.00 0.54 0.13
Mathematics 0.00 0.13 0.40 0.00 0.00 1.21 1.61 6.84
Philosophy 0.00 0.00 0.27 0.27 0.00 0.27 0.00 0.00
Psychology 0.67 1.34 1.21 0.94 1.47 1.21 2.68 0.80
Sociology 0.27 1.34 0.80 0.67 2.01 2.14 3.35 0.13
Systems 0.00 0.40 0.27 0.00 0.67 0.54 1.47 0.27
Total 2.82 10.46 11.39 9.12 11.93 15.55 24.93 13.81

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increased at a more rapid rate than that seen in operations management

journals. Theory was discovered a bit later in logistics and SCM than in
operations management. See figure 4 and table 10.
Discussion and Analysis

In this section, we analyze the vast information in the tabular summa-
ries and begin to extract the primary topics and trends of theory utili-
zation summarized by disciplines. For example, a majority of theories
used come from management, which is also the fastest-growing area
from where LSCM theories are borrowed. Also, theories in mathemat-
ics have been used since the beginning of LSCM conceptualization, but
these theories have not increased in utilization or importance. To orga-
nize the contributions in this section, four primary subsections are
included, which subsume future research suggestions and managerial
contributions.
The first major subsection is an analysis of each of the 12 disciplines
from which theories have been applied to LSCM research. For each dis-
cipline, we discuss items such as the most utilized theories from those
disciplines, what methods are typically used with theories from this
discipline, and what are the most commonly used topical areas. Also,
for each discipline, if trends of theoretical use from each discipline are
apparent, we identify them and key takeaways for future LSCM research.
Figure 5 provides a summary of the most frequently used theories from
each discipline:
The second subsection involves a review of theories that are borrowed
from multiple disciplines and combined for LSCM research. For example,
theories from psychology and sociology have historically been combined so
frequently that a subdiscipline of social psychology has emerged. Similarly,
disciplinary theories are regularly combined for LSCM research and have
shown some patterns.
The third subsection involves the examination of theories that have
been used for LSCM research only once or twice. There are many theo-
ries that vie for the attention of scholars. If theoretical lenses do not gain
widespread popularity, they risk being lost in the vastness of scientific
research. Therefore, it is our intention to call attention once again to the-
ories that have provided theoretical insights to LSCM but that may have
been temporarily forgotten, and to elevate these theories for another
look by LSCM scholars to see if they have more potential before they are
lost and forgotten.

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50
45
40
35
Journal.Type
30
Logistics
25 Operations
Management
20 Supply Chain
Management
15
10

5
213.55.83.51 on Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:05:23 +00:00

0
1991 1994 1995 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Figure 4 Trends of Theoretical Research by Journal Type
Table 10/Research by Discipline and Journal Type

Discipline Logistics SCM OM
Accounting 0.13 0.27 0.00
Communication 0.67 0.54 0.27
Computer science 0.94 0.00 0.13
Economics 4.16 7.10 4.83
Management 14.61 10.72 10.72
Marketing 1.74 0.67 0.27
Mathematics 0.54 8.45 1.21
Philosophy 0.54 0.00 0.27
Political science 2.01 2.14 2.41
Psychology 4.02 3.49 2.82
Sociology 2.95 3.49 4.29
Systems 0.54 1.74 1.34
Total 32.84 38.61 28.55
Fourth, a brief introduction and analysis of LSCM grounded theory

studies is done. You may recall that grounded theory studies were culled
from our primary SLR sample because they represent a methodology rather
than a particular theory. However, developing new theory is a hallmark of
a mature discipline. Therefore, we revisit the grounded theory studies that
were uncovered by our SLR, and we analyze them as areas where LSCM the-
oretical development is breaking new ground. These areas are at the fore-
front of LSCM research and, if theory usage is an indicator, represent the
most mature areas of the discipline.
Next, we provide a brief section that summarizes the research
implications that have been identified, including why and how this SLR on
LSCM theory is important to managers. Finally, we summarize the future
research opportunities that surfaced in this research.
Analysis of LSCM Theories by Originating Discipline
Management
Theories from management dominate LSCM research. Overall, manage-

ment theories were used in 254 of the articles included in this SLR, repre-
senting 34% of the total, with the resource-based view (RBV) accounting for
nearly 18% of the total theoretical research in LSCM. Related theories from
management, such as resource dependency theory and resource advantage
theory, are also commonly used. Agency theory, competence and capability
theory, stakeholder theory, and the knowledge-based view are also widely
used and were originated in management.

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Resource-Based View 71
Management
Agency Theory 19
Stakeholder And Resource Orchestration Theories 19
Resource Dependence Theory 19
Economics
Transaction Cost Economics 47

Organizational Theory 20
Prospect Theory 5
Institutional Theory 25
Mathematics Sociology
Social Exchange Theory 16

Social Capital Theory 12
Game Theory 40
Complexity Theory 6
Queueing Theory 4
Contingency Theory 33
Science
Political
Procedural Justice Theory 4

Bargaining Theory 3
Relational Exchange Theory 15
Psychology
Information Processing Theory 11

Behavioral Theory 4
Theory of Reasoned Action 4
Network Theory 6
Systems
General Systems Theory 5

Normal Accident Theory 5
Diffusion Of Innovation Theory 7
Communica
-tion
Communication Theory 3
Information Richness Theory 1
Service-Dominant Logic Theory 5
Marketing
Commitment Theory 2
Marketing Theory 2
Customer Value Theory 2
Coordination Theory 3
Computer
Science
Design Science Theory 3

Modularity Logic 1
Task-Technology Fit Theory 1
Critical Realisimperspective 2
Philosophy
Metaparadigmatic Theory 1
Symbolism 1
Knowledge Chain Theory 1
Lakatosian Theory 1
Accounting
Prospective Account Theory 1

Derivatives 1
Portfolio Theory 1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Figure 5 Frequently Used Theories from Each Discipline
The management category, as defined and coded in this SLR, includes

business strategy theories (e.g., competence and capability theory, RBV),
organizational structure theories (e.g., agency theory), and organizational
behavior/ human resources theories (e.g., stakeholder theory). Strategic
management theories are concerned with a firm’s sources of competitive

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advantage, such as its valuable, rare, inimitable, nonreplicable resources

(Barney 1991), or unique capabilities (Teece and Pissano 1997). The organiza-
tional structure theories, such as inventory theory (Porteus 2002), suggest
optimal ways to manage resources within the organization. The human
resource or organizational behavior perspective applies the psychological
aspect of human nature to organizational management, such as utility max-
imization by agency theory (Jensen and Meckling 1976). Much like the con-
tributions from the economics discipline, theoretical contributions from
management have been used in all three fields of LSCM, for all research
purposes, and with all research methods (except content analysis). Future
research should explore boundary conditions or add factors that are spe-
cific to the LSCM context when applying general theories of management.
Economics
Forty named theories from economics were identified, making it the second
most “borrowed-from” area for research in LSCM. In this SLR, 120 articles
in the study time period apply theories from economics, a sum that rep-
resents 16% of the articles in this SLR. This is led by applications of trans-
action cost economics (TCE) and organization theory. In fact, TCE is the
second most used theory in LSCM. This finding could be due partly to the
age of the theory, which has been around since the beginning of the research
time span (i.e., 1991). About 75% of the theories identified in this SLR were
not included in Bothamley’s reference book of 5000+ theories (Bothamley
1993), which is likely an indication that they were not yet penned or were
overlooked in her research. However, TCE is also highly applicable to LSCM
research, as has been demonstrated by extant research. TCE is based on the
idea of John Commons (1931) that transactions form the basis for economic
thinking. Roald Coase (1937) developed the framework to explain when
tasks are performed by a firm, and when they are performed by the market.
The theory of TCE is often attributed to Williamson (1981), who identified
the determinants of transaction costs. Organization theory, also attributed
to Williamson’s (1981) theory of the firm, describes the goals and activities
of a firm as a result of its organizational structure.
Economics theories, such as TCE and organization theory, have been
used widely in LSCM. This SLR finds that theories from economics are used
in all three areas of LSCM, for all of the research purposes coded in this
research (except scale development), and with all research methods (except
content analysis). Overall, theories from the economics discipline have
made profound contributions to theory development in LSCM and they are
expected to continue to do so.

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Sociology
Fourteen theories from sociology have been used in 80 studies represent-

ing 11% of the articles reviewed. Theories from the sociology discipline are
the third most cited in LSCM research, with institutional theory, social
exchange theory, and social capital providing the most theoretical contri-
butions applied by LSCM researchers. Institution theory defines organiza-
tions in terms of their social structures (Scott 1995). Social exchange theory
(Homans 1958) and social capital theory (Brehm and Rahn 1997) provide a
sociopsychological perspective on economic and social outcomes of social
behavior.
Overall, the many theories from sociology are used for all three fields
of LSCM research (logistics, supply chain management, and operations
management) and may be the theories that have been used most repeatedly.
Sociological theories have been applied for a variety of reasons in articles
that use many different methods (except content analysis). Given the con-
tribution of sociological theories, a good avenue for future research is a
more detailed review of sociological theories that have been used in LSCM
research. Much of the identified research draws on concepts such as trust
and reciprocity to evaluate the role and impact of collaborative relation-
ships and organizational culture. With increasing interest in both formal
and informal social networks and their impacts on supply chain design,
including where and when collaboration or competition is most beneficial,
a detailed review of sociological theories may prove beneficial.
Psychology
Thirty-six theories were identified as rooted in psychology. This sum rep-

resents 10% of the articles reviewed. The most frequently used theories
from psychology include relational exchange theory and information
processing theory. Relational exchange theory suggests that there are
different norms that govern commercial and relational exchange behavior
(Kaufmann and Stern 1988). Information processing theory is concerned
with the cognitive processes of human problem-solving (Simon 1978).
Psychology provides the most variety for LSCM research, across all research
methods (except content analysis) and for multiple reasons. Overall, the
substantial contribution of psychology to LSCM research has been dom-
inated by 2 theories, suggesting there is ample potential for discovering
additional applications of the other 34 theories that have originated from
psychology and been applied to LSCM research.

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Psychological theories provide powerful lenses with which to evaluate

individual and group cognition and feelings leading to certain behaviors
impacting LSCM phenomena, such as sustainability behavior, trust, and
risk aversion. Psychology theories also inform LSCM functional areas such
as procurement and sourcing, in addition to competencies such as leader-
ship and negotiation.
Mathematics
The mathematics discipline includes theories such as chaos theory,

complexity theory, queuing theory, and fuzzy set theory. Theories from
mathematics have been used in 10% of the articles in this SLR. The single
largest contributor to LSCM from the mathematics discipline has been
game theory, which is the third most used theory in LSCM overall, account-
ing for more than half of the papers that use mathematical theories. Game
theory was created by the American mathematician John von Neumann
from analyses of games of poker. While not the original intent of the theory,
game theory has been applied in a variety of disciplines such as business,
animal behavior, and war (Bothamley 1993). Not surprisingly, theories from
mathematics appear in all three fields of LSCM and are used for a variety of
purposes and with multiple research methods. We did not find a literature
review or meta-analysis of mathematical theories in LSCM, which would be
an avenue for future research.
Political Science
Ten theories from political science have been used in 49 of the articles
reviewed. This number represents 7% of the articles. Political science
includes theories such as social contract theory and constituency-based
theory. Contingency theory provided the most theoretical contributions,
being the fourth most used theory in LSCM. Contingency theory has its
roots in history and politics as a skeptical view of how situations are
shaped by particular circumstances or contingencies (Bothamley 1993).
Political science theories have been used in all three areas of LSCM, for
almost all research purposes (except literature review and scale develop-
ment), and with all research methods (except content analysis and exper-
imental design).
Overall, a respectable contribution to LSCM is made by theories from
political science. Theories from this discipline can be used to investigate
how the distribution of power in the supply chain influences individual
firms both within the firm and throughout the supply chain.

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Systems
Ten theories from systems have been applied in LSCM research, includ-
ing network theory, punctuated equilibrium, systems theory, and socio-
technical theory. Theories borrowed from this discipline have been used in
27 articles that were reviewed in this SLR. However, none of the theories
from the systems discipline have been used consistently or frequently in
LSCM research.
Systems theories have not been used with experimental design,
literature review, scale development, or content analysis methodologies,
and are underrepresented in topics such as customer behavior, inventory,
logistics and distribution, transportation, production, and sustainabil-
ity. The application of systems theories to these topics may indeed be an
avenue for future research, given the applicability of intra- and interor-
ganizational systems issues in various topics within LSCM. Further, the-
ories in systems such as the technology acceptance model (TAM) would
help to explain the adoption of technologies such as 3D printing, RFID, or
sensors within LSCM.
Marketing
Thirteen theories in a total of 20 articles in this SLR come from market-

ing. This is a relatively small number compared with management, eco-
nomics, and psychology. This small amount is explained by the fact that
marketing, like LSCM, borrows many of its theories from economics,
management, and psychology. Marketing trails behind seven of the other
disciplines because theories from marketing are not amongst those widely
used in LSCM. The 13 theories from the marketing discipline range from
those that explain buyer-supplied relationships (e.g., customer value the-
ory, power-relationship commitment theory, and industrial buyer behavior
theory), to theories of market dynamics (e.g., demand uncertainty theory,
pricing theory, and theory of customer exchange).
Marketing theories such as service-dominant (S-D) logic may help explore
and explain the connection between a firm’s integrated marketing and supply
chain strategies, in addition to the strategic orientation of the overall supply
chain. Research into recent phenomena such as omnichannel marketing—
which suggests that customers value multiple avenues to engage with a com-
pany and its brand—and its integration with a given firm’s LSCM strategies
may benefit by utilizing additional marketing theories for research.
While marketing theories have been used in all three fields of LSCM,
their application has been limited to the development of hypotheses,

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frameworks, models, and research questions. They have been used in a

variety of research methods, but surprisingly, not for experimental design.
Historically, experimental research has been low in logistics and supply
chain management. Marketing theories used in experimental research may
be areas of opportunity for LSCM research.
Communication
Three theories from the communication discipline account for 11 LSCM

articles. These are innovation diffusion theory, information rich-
ness theory, and communication theory. Innovation diffusion theory
attempts to explain how, why, and at what rate new ideas and technol-
ogies spread (Rogers 1962). Information richness theory, sometimes
referred to as media richness theory, describes a communication medi-
um’s ability to reproduce information sent over it (Daft and Lengel
1986). Communication theories cover a broad spectrum of theoretical
constructs and concepts, research materials, and methodologies related
to human communication (Littlejohn and Foss 2010). Theories in com-
munication have been used in logistics, supply chain management, and
operations management to help develop hypotheses, models, research
questions, and frameworks. Primary research methods in papers that use
communication theories include case study, conceptual, experimental
design, and literature review.
Given the applicability of communication in multiple aspects of theo-
retical development in LSCM, there is a potential for other theories in the
discipline to be explored. Methodologies such as experimental design or
surveys can be explored in the context of communication theories in LSCM.
Given the large research streams in SCM regarding collaboration, relation-
ships, and integration, the application of theories from the communica-
tion discipline seems highly appropriate. Also, since there have only been
11 articles developing communication theories in LSCM, most of the poten-
tial of communication theories probably remains untapped.
Computer Science
Theories from computer science have been used in eight articles, includ-
ing, for example, coordination theory, design science, task–technology
fit theory, and modularity logic. Coordination theory is concerned with
dependencies between activities within a system (Crowston 1997). Design
science research is concerned with the design, analysis, use, and behavior
of novel artifacts. While it can be applied to multiple disciplines, it is most
often used in computer science or information systems (March and Storey

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2008). However, given the elevated importance of information systems to

the practice of logistics, operations, and supply chain management, design
science theory has much potential in LSCM research. Task-technology fit
theory posits that when the capabilities of IT match the tasks to be per-
formed by a user, it is more likely that there is a positive impact on user per-
formance (Goodhue and Thompson 1995). Modular logic is a technique that
emphasizes separation of functionality into interchangeable, independent
modules (Lindsey 1976), which has particular adaptability to the system-
related functions of logistics and cross-functional integration. Theories
in computer science have been used to develop frameworks, hypotheses,
research questions, models, and as a basis for further theory development,
primarily in logistics. At this point in history, there has been minimal use
of computer science theories in supply chain management, and none pub-
lished in the operations management journals that were examined in this
research. Somewhat surprisingly, papers that use theories from computer
science are predominantly qualitative case studies. Overall, there has been
minimal impact on LSCM from the use of theories from computer sci-
ence. However, new research avenues such as those that involve big data or
visualization techniques can benefit from computer science theories.
Philosophy
Five theories from philosophy have been used by eight articles in LSCM
research in this SLR. No articles published in the two operations man-
agement journals used theories from philosophy. Theories used include
the critical realism perspective, metaparadigmatic theory, symbolism,
Lakatosian theory, and knowledge chain theory. The first four theories
are philosophical approaches to describing the interface between empir-
icism and the natural world; knowledge chain theory identifies functions
that can give an organization competitive advantage (Holsapple and Jones
2007). The philosophical theories are primarily used for the development of
frameworks, research questions, and propositions in conceptual articles.
While it is not surprising that theories from philosophy are not exten-
sively used in topical LSCM research, it is surprising that philosophical
theories have not been used for general LSCM theoretical development.
Philosophical research that explores the properties and boundary condi-
tions of knowledge chain theory could provide novel and fruitful research
ideas for LSCM. Philosophical theories such as the critical realism perspec-
tive, Lakatosian theory, and knowledge chain theory provide a relatively
unexplored landscape of supply chain management theory. In some of
the older disciplines, these theories have played a part in the origination

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of subsequent theories. Also, the causal theory of knowledge chain theory,

also called the causal theory of knowledge, describes series of events in
which one event causes another event in the chain.
Accounting
The accounting discipline, which also includes finance, is the source of

three theories used in LSCM research in three primary articles published
in the past 25 years. These theories are derivatives, portfolio theory, and
prospective account theory. The first of these is concerned with the treat-
ment of derivatives as futures contracts and their associated risks and
limitations (Gupta 2005). Portfolio theory considers how an optimizing
investor behaves (Markowitz 1991). Prospective account theory is based on
the expected utility of accounting information (Newman 1980). These the-
ories from accounting have been used primarily for model development
in the areas of operations management and logistics. Theories from this
discipline have not been applied to hypothesis development or to identify
research questions, which could be a potential area for theoretical develop-
ment. There has been no significant influence from accounting in the field
of supply chain management.
In comparison with the other disciplines, theories from accounting
are the least applied to theory development in LSCM. This finding may be
attributed to the fact that many techniques, such as activity-based costing
and asset valuation, are regarded by this SLR as only techniques or meth-
ods that are used in business, and therefore are not regarded as theory.
Originally, activity-based costing and asset valuation were considered theo-
ries in the research by Stock (1997). However, we expect that there is potential
for expansion of theories from accounting and finance to be used for LSCM
research. One of the most influential theories in LSCM is the square root
law of cycle counts, which is based on the portfolio principle, and the same
foundational principle explains why investors diversify their portfolios—to
reduce risk. This strong similarity is a testament to the contributions that a
particular theorem can make to both accounting and LSCM.
Theories Combined for LSCM Research
Theoretical analysis thus far has focused on single theories from particular
disciplines. The use of single theories in the traditional inductive process
of research is indeed valuable. Yet, in some instances, there is value in using
multiple theories when examining a phenomenon (Denzin 1970). Using
multiple theories, or “theoretical triangulation,” enables analysis of the
same information through different perspectives and paradigms (Lewis

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and Grimes 1999). This SLR uncovered 11 papers that adopted a multitheory
approach. Institutional theory and transaction cost economics were most
often combined with other theories, followed by agency theory and game
theory. It is interesting to note that when multiple theories were used, they
often originated from different disciplines, supporting a multiparadimatic
approach (Lewis and Grimes 1999). See table 11.
Reintroduction of Little-Used Theories in LSCM
Many theories have been underutilized in LSCM research. It is possible that

a theory that has only been applied a few times could be very important,
and conversely, theories with many applications might be less important.
Scholars measure the importance of theories in many ways, including the
number of times a theory is used, the significance of the problem or issue
being addressed by the theory, and the number of times that theoretical
research has been cited by other authors. In an attempt to find underuti-
lized theories, we examined the theories identified in table 3 that have
been applied only once or twice in the LSCM literature. Table 12 showcases
these little-used theories. Since these theories have found merit in LSCM
theoretical research, we felt it important to call attention to them for addi-
tional consideration rather than letting their previous contributions expire
prematurely.
An examination of table 12 reveals that the number of borrowed
theories applied in LSCM is still relatively small compared with the poten-
tial number of theories that could be applied. For example, from an orga-
nizational perspective, such theories as the coevolutionary theory of global
organizations, economic survival theory, economies of scope theory, fuzzy
set theory, governance theory, location theory, and multiechelon inventory
theory could aid LSCM scholars in better understanding logistics and sup-
ply chain management, from both macro and micro perspectives.
Some of these little-used theories have been used extensively in mar-
keting, which may indicate a dormant potential for LSCM research. From a
behavioral perspective, consider that cognitive dissonance theory, commit-
ment theory, customer value theory, human capital theory, industrial buyer
behavior theory, learning theory, negotiation theory, personality trait the-
ory, risk management, and the theory of perceived risk have provided mar-
keting theoretical support and have been applied to a far smaller degree in
LSCM. Perhaps much of this has to do with the fact that logistics and SCM
academicians are not as well trained in consumer or industrial buyer behav-
ior. While doctoral programs do include this material, it is only prevalent

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Table 11/Cross-Disciplinary Combined Theories
Agency Institutional Organizational Transaction Power Relational Theory of Echelons Justice Information Strategic Game System Social Contingency Behavioral
Theory Theory Culture Theory Cost Relationship Exchange Production Theory Theory Processing Fit Theory Reliability Exchange Theory Decision
Economics Commitment Theory Competence Theory Theory Theory Theory Theory
Theory
Management: Agency Theory —
Sociology: Institutional
Theory
X —
Management: Organizational
Culture Theory X —
Economics: Transaction
Cost —
Economics
Marketing: Power
Relationship X —
Commitment
Psychology: Relational
Exchange X —
Theory

Management: Theory of
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Production X —
Competence

Management: Echelons
Theory —
Political Justice Theory

Science: X —
Psychology: Information
Processing —
Theory
(Continues)
Table 11/Cross-Disciplinary Combined Theories (Continued)
Agency Institutional Organizational Transaction Power Relational Theory of Echelons Justice Information Strategic Game System Social Contingency Behavioral
Theory Theory Culture Theory Cost Relationship Exchange Production Theory Theory Processing Fit Theory Reliability Exchange Theory Decision
Economics Commitment Theory Competence Theory Theory Theory Theory Theory
Theory
Management: Strategic Fit

Theory X —
Mathematics: Game Theory

—
Systems: System
Reliability X —
Theory
Sociology: Social
Exchange X _
Theory
Political Contingency
Science: Theory X —

Psychology: Behavioral
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Decision X —
Theory

Table 12/Theories Cited Once or Twice in LSCM Articles
Discipline Theory
Management Absorptive capacity
Ambidexterity theory
Co-evolutionary theory of global organizations
Congruency theory
Contemporary career theory
Enactment theory
Evidence-based management theory
Global trade management
High reliability theory
Inducement-contribution theory
Industrial network theory
Institutional entrepreneurship theory
Logistics platform theory
Logistics theory
Management coefficients theory
Multi-tier supply chain management theory
Organizational capability theory
Organizational change theory
Organizational culture theory
Organizational support theory
Power regimes
Process perspective
Resource orchestration theory
Risk management
SCM theory
Servant leadership theory
Stewardship theory
Strategic fit theory
Strategy–structure–performance theory
Structural inertia theory
Supply chain cooperation theory
Theories of intermediation
Theory of constraints
(Continues)

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Table 12/Theories Cited Once or Twice in LSCM Articles (Continued)

Discipline Theory
Management Theory of perceived risk
Theory of production competence
Theory of swift, even flow
Threat–rigidity theory
Unified service theory
Upper echelons theory
Value chain theory
Economics Capability theory
Classical microeconomic theory
Cluster theory
Competing values theory
Competition theory
Competitive equilibrium
Contract theory
Economic organization theory
Economic survival theory
Economic theory of consumer choice
Economies of scope theory
Exchange theory
Factor-market rivalry theory
Human capital theory
Industrial organization economics
Location theory
Mechanism design theory
Natural resource scarcity
Network effects
Rational efficiency theory
Rational process theory
Referent-dependence theory
Theory of incentives
Theory of institutional economics
Theory of the firm
Transaction value theory
Utility theory

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Discipline Theory
Sociology Actor–network theory
Adaptive structuration theory
Coalition theory
Cross-cultural theory
Fiske’s theory of relational forms
Social science theory
Technology adoption
Psychology Advantage theory
Attribution theory
Balance theory
Cognitive dissonance theory
Complementarity theory
Construal theory
Dynamic theory
Equity theory
Goal-setting theory
Internalization theory
Inverted U theory
Lakatosian theory
Learning theory
Negotiation theory
Personality trait theory
Planned behavior
Regulatory focus theory
Social identity theory
Sociocognitive theory
Theory of customer appraisal
Theory of operant conditioning
Theory of psychological reactance
Theory on customer attractiveness
Mathematics Approximation theory
Discrete choice theory
Driver control theory
Factor analytic theory
(Continues)

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Table 12/Theories Cited Once or Twice in LSCM Articles (Continued)

Discipline Theory
Mathematics Fuzzy set theory
Heavy traffic theory
Level-crossing theory
Mathematical theory
Mean–variance theory
Multiechelon inventory theory
Neighborhood rough set theory
Random walk theory
Renewal theory
Spirals theory
Stochastic approximation theory
Theory of dynamic program duality and various

approximations
Theory of majorization
Political science Bandwagon theory
Constituency-based theory
Crime displacement theory
Governance theory
Situational crime prevention
Social contract theory
Systems Interdisciplinary research theory
IS success theory
Loose coupling theory
Punctuated equilibrium theory
Strategic network theory
System reliability theory
Marketing Commitment theory
Customer value theory
Demand uncertainty theory
Demand-side perspective
Industrial buyer behavior theory
Marketing theory
Military theory—bidirectional channel

competition
Porter’s generic theories

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Discipline Theory
Marketing Power-relationship commitment theory
Relationship life-cycle theory
Service theory
Theory of customer exchange
Communication Information richness theory
Computer science Modularity logic
Task–technology fit theory
Philosophy Critical realism perspective
Knowledge chain theory
Meta-paradigmatic theory
Symbolism
Accounting Derivatives
Portfolio theory
Prospective Account Theory
in programs with a behavioral orientation and that conduct research in the

area. Thus, most logistics and SCM scholars do not have backgrounds, nor
interest, in examining the behavioral aspects of LSCM.
Novel Theory Development in LSCM
LSCM has been primarily an applied discipline—one where academic

phenomena are first understood from their use in the functioning world.
Hence, borrowing theories from disciplines can further the understanding
of the phenomena at hand. However, for LSCM to mature as a discipline,
it is important for a core body of knowledge and theory to emerge from
within the discipline (Swanson and Chermack 2013). LCSM is relatively
young compared with disciplines such as economics and management; it is
no surprise that it has originated little theory. Indeed, time is considered an
important factor in theory building (George and Jones 2000).
In the course of this research, we were heartened to find instances of
theory-building (i.e., grounded theory) evident within our sample. We
regard grounded theory as a methodology, rather than the use of a particular
theory, and therefore did not include the eight papers that used grounded
theory in our analysis. Of the eight papers, two arrived at a theoretical
model for the phenomenon at hand, one developed a theoretical frame-
work, and the remainder developed research questions for further inquiry.

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It is also interesting to review the topics that were explored by grounded

theory. The primary topics included sustainability, decision making, and
technology. We propose that these topics may be the more mature topics
within LSCM, because this is where original theory is developing within
the discipline. There were also studies on outsourcing, global trade man-
agement, and supplier integration.
Despite this emerging research, novel theory development in LSCM is
relatively unestablished and is an important avenue for future research.
To improve the impact of LSCM research, more effort is needed to
help scholars relate phenomena to existing theory. Cases are useful for
grounded theory development (Eisenhardt and Graebner 2007), and given
the large number of papers in LSCM that employ case study research,
there is ample opportunity to develop theoretical insights that are unique
to the field.
As identified earlier in this article, if we examine the period 2011–2015
as shown in table 9, the majority of theory-driven research in LSCM was
published during that period. This period previously was unexplored
in earlier literature reviews. Much like the disciplines of marketing and
management, the earliest published research in an area tends not to be
theory-driven. However, as the area emerges and more scholars begin to
investigate it, more theory-based research takes place. We see the same
pattern in the development of LSCM.
During earlier periods of investigation (2006–2010), most theories
applied to LSCM tended to examine specific elements or components of
logistics and/or supply chain management. As the discipline matured,
scholars began to examine more strategic and macro issues. They were
interested in discovering truths about collaboration, coordination, and
integration within LSCM. Thus, topics such as purchasing, 3-PL’s, cus-
tomer service, and inventory management, which were examined during
the earlier period of LSCM development, gave way to the investigation of
topics such as sustainability, human resource management, relationships
and collaboration among supply chain partners, logistics and supply
chain strategy development, data analytics, risk management, and supply
chain agility and resilience. These topics required the application of addi-
tional theories to LSCM to better understand and explain the complexi-
ties of those issues. The development and expansion of the discipline also
required more diverse research techniques, including the use of modeling
and simulation, qualitative analyses, and the use of multiple methods for
data analysis (see table 5).

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A Summary of Research Implications
Since the discussion and analysis of this research were primarily organized
by the disciplines where theories originated, ideas and calls for future
research were similarly organized by discipline. In this section, we consol-
idate many of the future research ideas that were introduced in the discus-
sion and analysis section.
Management and economic theories have been used extensively. However,
there is still room for exploring the boundary conditions of many types of
phenomena. Furthermore, there continue to be relevant theories from man-
agement and economics that have yet to be applied to a LSCM context.
Given the contributions stemming from sociology theories, future
research should focus on sociological theory contributions in more detail
than this study was able to provide. There is an increasing interest in for-
mal and informal social networks. Future research should examine how
they impact supply chain design, including where and when collaboration
versus competition is most beneficial.
As scholars learn more about managerial and consumer behavior, they
are constantly reminded of how much we still do not know. Psychological
theories should be tapped by future research to provide the lenses neces-
sary to evaluate individual and group cognition and feelings leading to cer-
tain behaviors impacting LSCM phenomena.
Theories from political science should be used to investigate how the
distribution of power in a supply chain influences individual firms both
within the firm and throughout the overall supply chain. These research
areas have largely been tackled using management, economics, and mar-
keting theories.
Systems theories have not been used with experimental design, liter-
ature review, scale development, or content analysis methodologies and
are underrepresented in topics such as customer behavior, inventory,
logistics and distribution, transportation, production, and sustainabil-
ity. The application of systems theories to these topics provides a wealth
of future research that should be done. Also, systems theories such as the
technology acceptance model (TAM) would help to explain the adoption of
technologies within LSCM such as 3D printing, RFID, or sensors.
Historically, experimental research has been low in logistics and sup-
ply chain management. Future research should examine recently used mar-
keting theories for potential applicability in LSCM experimental research.
Also, future experimental research should examine and apply theories
from systems, sociology, and psychology.

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Theories originating in computer science have had minimal impact on

LSCM. However, new research avenues such as those that involve big data
or visualization techniques can benefit from computer science theories.
Future research should examine and apply theories from computer science
and other engineering fields.
Future research should examine philosophical theories for general
LSCM theoretical development. Philosophical research that has explored
the properties and boundary conditions of knowledge chain theory could
provide novel and fruitful research ideas for LSCM. Philosophical theories
such as the critical realism perspective, Lakatosian theory, and knowledge
chain theory provide a relatively unexplored landscape of supply chain
management theory.
Given the applicability of communication in multiple aspects of the-
oretical development in LSCM, there is a potential for other theories in
the discipline to be explored. Some of the likely areas for LSCM research
involving communication strategies include such topics as collaboration,
relationships, and integration.
This paper provides a list of theories used in LSCM only once or twice
(see table 11). Since these theories have found merit in LSCM theoretical
research, we felt it was important to call attention to them for additional
consideration rather than let their previous contributions expire prema-
turely. Formally, we suggest that researchers review them for potentially
beneficial future research opportunities.
Grounded theory is not a theory, but rather a methodology for devel-
oping theory. As a methodology, it has made some progress in developing
original theory in LSCM. However, it is our opinion that not much origi-
nal theory has sprung from LSCM and that this should be a focus of future
research.
Practitioners are not interested in theories per se, but rather the
problems or issues that the theories help to understand or solve. Good
theory typically begets good practice. Therefore, theoretical development
is important for practitioners of LSCM. Consider, for example, disruptive
events such as 3-D printing, RFID, and social media. Theory can help prac-
titioners understand evolving issues in a broad context and predict how
LSCM will change, or should change, to maximize competitive advantage.
A View to the Future

Logistics and supply chain scholars have a much better understanding
of processes and procedures from “borrowing” other disciplinary the-
ories such as contingency theory, game theory, institutional theory, the

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resource-based view from management, and transaction cost economics.

As shown in table 3, these theories have each been applied in LSCM lit-
erature 25 or more times. Additional theories that have been applied at
least 10 times include agency theory, competence and capability theory,
information processing theory, institutional theory, inventory theory, the
knowledge based view from management, organizational theory, rela-
tional exchange theory, resource dependence theory, resource-advantage
theory, social capital theory, social exchange theory, and stakeholder and
resource orchestration theories. Based on the number of studies where a
theory has been applied to LSCM, we can say that scholars likely have a
better understanding of that area from the role of “new” theories in their
exploration.
Several insights from this SLR can be gleaned when examining the
definitions of logistics and supply chain management:
Logistics management is that part of supply chain management

that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective for-
ward and reverses flow and storage of goods, services and related
information between the point of origin and the point of con-
sumption in order to meet customers' requirements. (CSCMP 2016)
Supply chain management encompasses the planning and man-

agement of all activities involved in sourcing and procurement,
conversion, and all logistics management activities. Importantly,
it also includes coordination and collaboration with channel part-
ners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third party service
providers, and customers. In essence, supply chain management
integrates supply and demand management within and across
companies. (CSCMP 2016)
Inherent in these definitions are activities such as coordination,

collaboration, human resources, outsourcing, planning, implementation,
and control. These activities, when done efficiently and effectively, have
the potential of enhancing both customer satisfaction and corporate sales
and profitability. For example, theories from the social sciences such as
psychology and sociology have the potential to expand our knowledge and
understanding of the human elements of LSCM. They could also shed light
on the behavioral issues of collaboration and coordination that are essen-
tial elements of logistics and supply chain management and that impact
individual, group, and firm relationships.

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Insights into the planning, implementation and control of intra- and

interfirm strategies and tactics can be gained utilizing theories from man-
agement, systems, economics, political science, and accounting. While
some theories from these disciplines have been used extensively in LSCM
research, there are other theories within each of those disciplines that
should still be applied by researchers. There are organizational issues such
as who should be the leader of a supply chain, how supply chains should be
administered, what measures should be used to identify the performance
of the entire supply chain or portions of it, and what are the best ways of
integrating a supply chain through information, technologies, and per-
sonnel. These are important questions, and we do not yet fully understand
what the answers are, or should be!
As omnichannel retailing, global markets, and various LSCM-related
technologies develop further, it will behoove LSCM researchers to more
fully understand these issues. Understanding customers, whether they are
final consumers (i.e., B2C) or organizations (i.e., B2B), will become even
more important. The use of highly sophisticated hardware and software
and techniques such as demand sensing and big data analytics are likely
only the first steps in transitioning to a new environment that is signifi-
cantly different from the old environment.
While it is important for LSCM researchers to borrow and apply the-
ory from other disciplines, it is just as important for scholars to origi-
nate theory from within the discipline. Historically, disciplines have been
developed by researchers through a process of borrowing theories, but
the most significant advances have occurred when general theories were
developed. At present, there is no general theory of logistics or supply
chain management. While developing such theories is a difficult and
time consuming process (Hunt 2002), it is a task that should be done
and would have a marked impact on advancing the areas of logistics and
supply chain management.
In sum, LSCM researchers have borrowed and applied a number of
theories from various business and nonbusiness disciplines. However,
more borrowing is possible, as is the development of general theories
of logistics and supply chain management. It is a task that needs to be
tackled.
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Applying Theories from Other Disciplines to Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A

Systematic Literature Review

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David Swanson, Lakshmi Goel, Kristoffer Francisco, and James Stock

David Swanson James Stock

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To keep abreast of knowledge development in the ﬁeld, it is imperative

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in eight logistics, SCM, and operations management (OM) journals from

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An entire special issue of IJPDLM in 1997 was devoted to theories that

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chain management research. Besides these one-focus literature reviews,

1. They omit theoretical research in operations management journals.

This SLR provides an inventory of theory used in LSCM and categorizes

Phase 1: Planning and Conducting the Search

Our planning involved deﬁning the parameters of our search—the

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Table 1/Differences between Systematic and Traditional Literature Reviews

Note: Adapted from Petticrew, 2001.

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Phase 2: Preparing Search Results for Analysis

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After a preliminary round of classiﬁcation, it was determined that

Table 2/Categories Used for Major Topic, Method, and Reason

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1. We utilized the delimiting “text to columns” function in Excel to seg-

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Accounting: The accounting discipline includes theories such as deriva-

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Psychology: The psychology discipline provides many theories for

Summary of the Methodology

Our research protocol is represented in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Research Protocol

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Tabular Summaries and Information

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Table 3/List of Theories, Disciplines, and Count of Articles (Continued)

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Theory Discipline Articles %

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Table 3/List of Theories, Disciplines, and Count of Articles (Continued)

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Theory Discipline Articles %

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Table 3/List of Theories, Disciplines, and Count of Articles (Continued)

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Theory Discipline Articles %

Table 4/The Most Used Theories in LSCM

LSCM is truly a multidisciplinary research area, and this multidisci-

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LSCM Theory by Year and Origin

There has been a substantial increase in theory-driven research in LSCM.

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Figure 2 Yearly Theoretical Research

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Table 5/Count and Percentage of Theory-Driven Articles by Discipline

Theories from management, economics, mathematics, psychology, and

LSCM Major Topics

This section provides information and discussion on the major logistics

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Figure 3 Trend of Five Primary Disciplines