Proactive environmental strategy and performances of third party logistics providers (TPLs): Investigating the role of eco-control systems

International audienceThis study investigates the role of eco-control systems in translating the proactive environmental strategies (PES) of third party logistics providers (TPLs) into economic and environmental performances using variance-based structural equation modelling, popularly known as PLS-SEM. Analysis of survey data from 232 French TPLs indicate that improved performance depends on the type of TPL organizational core that is mobilized by the PES. Indeed, while the PES of the operations function can improve both environmental and economic performances, the PES of the marketing function contributes only to improved economic performance. The results also reveal that eco-control systems play a prominent role in fostering TPL environmental performance while economic performance remains unchanged. In this regard, eco-control systems can help TPL managers deploy their strategic environmental intentions and achieve improved environmental performance by motivating and directing employees along environmental purposes, providing key information related to environmental activities, and prompting opportunity-seeking behaviors. Overall, the study answers recent calls for research on the green initiatives of TPLs and provides novel insights that can spur on further research