Strategic fit in the general freight motor carrier industry

This study investigates the impact of choosing a particular strategic focus or foci on operational productivity by means of the Malmquist Productivity Index as applied to a consistent sample (for the period 1999–2003) of 69 general freight motor carriers. The results show that general freight motor carriers, regardless of the strategic focus or foci pursued, did not link these strategic positions to an operational posture that reflected both operating efficiency and technological change. An interesting bifurcation is found with regard to the strategic foci of the LTL market niche and firm size growth, with the former of these two strategic foci having a positive impact on operating efficiency and the latter having a positive impact on technological change.

Research highlights
► Operational effectiveness is linked to strategic positioning through the concept (strategic) fit.
► Changes in operational effectiveness are measured by utilizing the Malmquist Index.
► Changes are analyzed in light of seven strategic positions or orientations.
► Results of the analysis do not suggest a competency with regard to the practice of (strategic) fit.