Relationship Flexibility in a 3PL Context: Impacts of Network Embeddedness,Guanxi,and Explicit Contract

Based on governance value analysis, social network theory, and resource dependence theory, this study proposed and tested a conceptual model exploring relationship flexibility in the third-party logistics (3PL) context. It contributes to knowledge of the relationship management and value creation dynamics with 3PL providers, important members of today's marketing channels. Specifically, network embeddedness and explicit contract are found to be positively related to 3PL customer firms' relationship flexibility that further has a positive significant impact on logistics performance. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications are discussed.