Controlling for logistics complexity: scale development and validation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a basic scale for general logistics complexity that allows researchers to control for this issue in their studies. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of developing the scale based on a literature review and discussion with specialists. The proposed scale is then validated through data analysis from a web‐based survey of logistics managers in Brazil. Findings – The paper provides a valid and reliable scale for general logistics complexity that can be easily incorporated into research surveys. The scale is general enough that it can be used in surveys of firms across diverse industries. In addition, the scale can be further adapted to address more specific logistics complexity issues. Research limitations/implications – Further testing of the scales across multiple contexts is necessary for validity enhancement. Originality/value – Logistics complexity corresponds to a latent construct that has not been systematically developed in the logistics literature, but is often mentioned as a potentially important variable to control for in logistics studies. This study provides a general scale that can be used for a control variable as well as providing a base for further development of scales focused on more specific aspects of logistics complexity.