THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES AND LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE: A META-ANALYSIS STUDY

Confronted with intensifying regulatory frameworks and evolving stakeholder expectations, the integration of sustainability into supply chain management is now a strategic necessity. Logistics performance, a critical barometer of supply chain effectiveness evaluated through cost, timeliness, and reliability metrics, is significantly impacted by the depth of sustainability integration within corporate strategy. While the body of empirical research exploring this nexus has expanded, findings remain disparate, underscoring the need for a consolidated, quantitative synthesis. This study employs a meta-analytical approach to statistically aggregate empirical evidence concerning the relationship between sustainability practices and logistics performance. A systematic review of major academic databases was conducted, applying stringent inclusion criteria that resulted in the selection of five studies providing quantitative correlation data. The analysis reveals a positive and moderately strong correlation between sustainability practices and logistics performance, with a pooled correlation coefficient of r = 0.439 (p < 0,001). This robust finding confirms that sustainability-oriented strategies—such as green procurement, eco-friendly packaging, and transportation optimization—significantly enhance logistics efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and market competitiveness. Analyses for heterogeneity and publication bias further corroborated the reliability of these results. In conclusion, this study provides compelling quantitative evidence that embedding sustainability into logistics operations constitutes a synergistic strategy, simultaneously advancing ecological objectives and fortifying organizational resilience. The findings furnish a valuable evidence-based framework for managers and policymakers dedicated to constructing more efficient, robust, and environmentally sound supply chains. Keywords: Sustainability, Logistics Performance, Meta-Analysis, Strategic Management.