European and Japanese Logistics Paradigms: An Explorative and comparative study of the dynamics of logistics management

This dissertation explores a new field of study in the paradigms of logistics management and their evolution. General observations detected the existence of large differences of logistics practices between Europe and Japan, and that Japanese are apparently trying to tread the European path. Comparative studies were done on European and Japanese logistics management to find out what causes the differences and whether there can be a universal logistics paradigm to better manage expanding supply chains across borders. Empirical studies were done on the perceptions of practioners in logistics. The study showed a typical ‘bounded rationality of logistical decision makings, and revealed the fact that European logistics is mainly regulated by the paradigm of logicality and fairness, while Japanese logistics is by that of customer satisfaction and long-term relationship. The important finding was that the people on both sides had inner yearning for the opposite paradigm as a good catalyst for better logistics management. Therefore, there will be simultaneous occurrence of Europeanisation of Japanese logistics management paradigm and the Japanisation of that of the European for the time being. However, we conclude that it is not known yet if a unified single paradigm of logistics management can be developed or not, as long-term transition of the paradigms is subject to the laws of evolution, which are still indecisive between a natural selection and a habitat segregation.

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