Does institutionalization enhance logistics performance in international businesses? A moderated and mediated model

The performance of interdependent international companies is required to be consistently high, leading to an increase in sectoral competition. Furthermore, they are endeavoring to establish an institutional structure in order to enhance their professional and distinctive commercial procedures while also maintaining their competitive advantages. This study aims to investigate the influence of institutionalization, which holds significant organizational and operational importance, on logistics performance, a key factor in gaining a competitive edge. Specifically, it investigates the moderating role of autonomy and the mediating role of logistics agility in this relationship, providing empirical insights through a model grounded in the Dynamic Capabilities View. By addressing the gap in literature where institutionalization and logistics performance have not been studied together, this research highlights how autonomy and agility can transform the effects of institutionalization on performance outcomes. The data collected through the questionnaire were empirically tested using path analysis in structural equation modeling. Data were collected from 390 employees by visiting 108 companies in Western Mediterranean region of Türkiye. The study concludes that formalization and cultural strength positively affect logistics performance, logistics agility positively partially mediates these interactions, and autonomy has a moderating effect on the effect of cultural strength on logistics performance. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of how formalization and cultural strength can synergistically enhance logistics performance, thereby offering actionable insights for practitioners. This study also emphasizes the critical importance of fostering a supportive culture that empowers employees through autonomy, which is essential for optimizing logistics operations in dynamic environments. It is expected that the results of the research will serve as a guide for organizations seeking to improve their logistics performance through institutionalization and will contribute to future studies by filling the gap in the literature.