Modelling Multimodal Export Logistics Performance under Institutional and Strategic Pressures: Evidence from the EEC Corridor of Thailand

This research introduces the joint effects of institutional pressures, business strategies, and transportation performance on logistics performance and sustainability outcomes in the Thai EEC region. We examine the multimodal dynamics between export logistics and strategic typology in relation to sustainability transformation to connect institutional theory and strategic typology, thereby linking the two frameworks.

We selected a sequential mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 450 companies that export their products. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to validate the conceptual framework. Model fit indices and path coefficients were used to test the hypotheses.

SEM analysis reveals evidence for institutional pressures (β = 0.458, p < .001), transportation performance (β = 0.351, p < .001), and business strategy (β = 0.172, p = 0.006); the strong positive contribution of these variables is also significant for logistics performance. Logistics performance is a strong predictor of sustainability outcomes (β = 0.907, p < .001). As such, this model accounts for a large amount of heterogeneity and can explain a sizeable proportion of logistics performance and sustainability characteristics through statistically significant relationships.

The results imply that the institutional mechanisms represent both challenges and enablers of strategic adaptation, and that logistics capabilities constitute driving factors for sustainability. Cross-case comparisons of cases beyond ASEAN further enhance these findings, and the current research is evaluated considering the international dialogue on sustainable freight frameworks.

Compared to previous works, this study includes the concept of institutional isomorphism and strategic typology, which make a theoretical contribution to the multimodal logistics of developing countries. For policymakers and managers who are concerned with regulatory–strategy alignment and multimodal transformations that support sustainability transitions, the validated framework could be very useful.