The task environment, resource commitment and reverse logistics performance: evidence from the Taiwanese high-tech sector

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to construct a model in order to understand the empirical effects of the task environment on reverse logistics resource commitment and the resulting performance. The Taiwanese computer, communication, and consumer electronics (3C) manufacturing and retail industries were investigated by questionnaire administration. Structural equation modelling was employed to model relationships among the latent constructs of the task environment, resource commitment, and environmental and economic performances. From 349 valid responses, it was found that the task environment has a positive and significant influence on resource commitment. In turn, resource commitment positively and significantly influences the economic and environmental performances of reverse logistics separately. Additionally, environmental performance significantly and positively influences economic performance, thus showing that it pays to be green. Under a climate of increasingly strict international regulations, governmental legislation and the increase in consumer environmentalism, firms are advised to appropriately reappraise their RL resource commitments.

Keywords:

• task environment
• resource commitment
• reverse logistic
• Taiwan
• environmental performance

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by ‘Aim for the Top University Plan’ of the National Sun Yat-Sen University and Ministry of Education, Taiwan (NSC 99-2410-H-110-053-MY3).