The Role of Transparency in Humanitarian Logistics

Abstract

Human suffering has increased in recent years owing to increased intensity ad frequency of disasters. These are expected to further increase in the coming years due to climate change. Although natural disaster risks to humans cannot be completely eliminated, they can be minimized through efficient and effective humanitarian logistics (HL). Considering the importance of HL in reducing the impacts of disasters through fair distribution, this study aims to address the following question: “How can the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of HL be improved through transparency?” The primary data were collected through an online structured questionnaire from the employees participating in relief operations in Pakistan. This specific research model is reflective. Therefore, a covariance-based structure equation model (CB-SEM) based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with SmartPLS software was used. The study tested the items’ reliability, discriminate validity, goodness of fit, and psychometrical soundness of the hypothesized model. The study results indicate that the relationship between predictor variables (disclosure, clarity, accuracy, corporate governance, decision making and accountability) and the response variable (effective HL) is mediated by public trust. Furthermore, the study suggests that public trust plays an imperative role in enhancing the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of HL. In addition, first, the study findings are expected to be beneficial for all stakeholders of disaster risk management, especially for governments, donors and humanitarian organizations (HOs), because they are persistently seeking strategies to assist victims. Second, most importantly, this study raises awareness of the need to carefully evaluate decisions related to the fair distribution of relief items. Third, the structure of this article reveals research gaps and promising areas for further research. This article provides a deeper understanding of transparency in HL using empirical data, which has not been explored before.

Integration of Internet-of-Things With Blockchain Technology to Enhance Humanitarian Logistics Performance

“…Hence, they will trust and prefer more transparent HOs if other processes are similar [55]. Hence, it can be argued that information sharing can help to increase public trust in organizations [18]. Similarly, based on TMS theory, transparency and public trust among the actors engaged in DRO play a crucial role in increasing coordination in HL [51].…”

“…Moreover, HL always has a low priority in HOs, despite being a factor, which can cause disaster relief operations (DROs) as success or failure [13]. Besides, in humanitarian relief, HL is in the center [14][15][16] in terms of cost and distribution, which is about 80% of total DRO [17][18][19]. In addition, nearly 80 percent of logistics cost in DRO is incurred in transportation and procurement [20,21].…”

“…The literature shows that effectiveness in complex and uncertain situations (such as disasters) is merely possible in the existence of trust [18]. Trust is the most important element for HOs and enables managers to lead and negotiate effectively with multiple stakeholders [26].…”

“…This study focuses on transparency and public trust as antecedents of coordination. Scholars have indicated that transparency and public trust may greatly affect firm HL process characteristics [4,18]. Nevertheless, such vital impacts have not been addressed by scholars either theoretically or empirically.…”

Horizontal Coordination of I-LNGOs in the Humanitarian Supply Chain: An Evolutionary Game Approach

“…Disaster information (e.g., affected location, reasonable assessment of the number of casualties, the extent of the humanitarian needs) [9,73];…”