A typology of logistics at work in collaborative consumption. Issue 6 (2nd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carbone, Valentina; Rouquet, Aurélien; Roussat, Christine
• Is Part Of: International journal of physical distribution & logistics management. Volume 48:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 570
• Page End: 585
• Publication Date: 2018-07-02
• Subjects: Content analysis -- Collaborative consumption -- Sharing economy -- Consumer logistics -- Crowd logistics; Physical distribution of goods -- Management -- Periodicals; Business logistics -- Periodicals; Materials management -- Periodicals; 658.788
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2017-0355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0035

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The growth of collaborative consumption is beginning to stimulate management research on this phenomenon. However, so far, few scholars have studied the logistics aspects related to these developments. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual approach to the logistics at work in collaborative consumption. Design/methodology/approach: The authors adopt an inductive, exploratory research method, based on a content analysis involving 32 collaborative consumption initiatives screened through their websites and other secondary sources. Findings: Based on the way logistics is organized in these initiatives, the authors identify and describe four types of logistics: peer to peer, business, crowd, and open logistics. Practical implications: The paper makes recommendations for improving the management of collaborative consumption logistics. Originality/value: Our results enrich the literature about crowd practices and collaborative consumption by conceptualizing alternative roles played by logistics and revealing its specific organizational forms.