Intra-organizational logistics and human-machine relations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual review of the literature and connect the concepts of people, machines, and logistics within a theoretical framework. It aims to establish connections between previously unexamined theoretical perspectives (Sandra Pettit and Florence Durieux in Thiétart et al., 2007). The research examines the nature of interactions within intra-organizational logistics to develop a conceptual framework for these interactions.

The paper analyzes intra-organizational logistics through an examination of the interactions within this function. Interactions within organizations create limits as individuals are faced with interactions with machines and with other people. This requires us to categorize our observations into interactions between individuals and interactions between individuals and machines. The research is situated within the field of internal logistics.

Three distinct theories are presented. Two theories place the individual at the center of their analysis, focusing on interactions between people, the exchange relationship, and its implications for the daily operations of an organization. The third theory examines the role of machines in the daily operations of a company in collaboration with human employees.

Keywords: Intra-organizational logistics, information technology (IT), information systems (IS), social exchange theory, resource dependency theory (RDT), socio-technical systems theory.

JEL Classification : M15

Paper type: Theoretical Research