The effects of dynamic capabilities, service capabilities, competitive advantage, and organizational performance in container shipping

Abstract

Recent changes in the world economy have had a significant impact on container shipping in recent decades. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that service capabilities are related to competitive advantage and organizational performance. When encountering an environment characterized by economic uncertainty, the shipping industry was required to emphasize dynamic capabilities associated with adaptation to sustain competitive advantage. The purpose of this study was to examine the linkages between dynamic capabilities, service capabilities, competitive advantage, and organizational performance in container shipping using data surveys from 134 respondents in container shipping firms in Taiwan. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to identify the crucial dimensions underlying dynamic capabilities, and service capabilities. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses. The research findings indicated that dynamic capabilities positively influenced both competitive advantage and service capabilities. Service capabilities and competitive advantage were positively related to organizational performance. Practical implications of the research findings for container shipping firms are discussed.