Key Factors of Logistic Performance Development Using SEM: The Case of Iran Post Industry

The logistics sector is nowadays known as one of the main pillars of economic development since it is the logistic performance that can have a knock-on effect on economic growth and competitiveness in both international and domestic trade. According to policy makers, implementing coherent and sustainable policies to integrate the supply chain is vital to ignite growth and development not only in economically prosperous countries but also in emerging economies. Economically underprivileged countries are normally those that suffer high costs in the logistics sector owing not only to transportation rates but also to unreliable supply chains that can hamper convergent and competitive functioning in the global value chain. Having realized the vitality of logistics sector, the present descriptive correlational survey aimed at investigating the effect of key components that can have a bearing on improved logistics performance in Post industry. To serve the purpose, a conceptual model of key components, along with five main hypotheses, was proposed based on a thorough literature review and consultation with experts in the post industry. The research population comprised all experts, managers and staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran Post Company from whom a sample of 402 was selected based on the Cochran formula. The collected data were analyzed via Structural Equation Modeling. The findings emerging from the study revealed that all components including knowledge management, human resources organization management, internal and external factors had positive and significant effects on the performance of logistics sector in the post industry. It is suggested that reinforcing the specified components and employment of the designed pattern can help the post industry to take a major step towards improving its logistic performance.