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In the driver’s seat: the role of transformational leadership in safe and productive truck cargo transport

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Listed:
  • Alexandros Pasparakis

    (Erasmus University)

  • Jelle de Vries

    (Erasmus University)

  • René de Koster

    (Erasmus University)

  • Debjit Roy

    (Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad)

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of safety-specific transformational leadership (SSTL) on the performance outcomes of safe driving and driving productivity in both long and short-haul truck cargo transport. We conduct our study in the context of a hazardous material (HAZMAT) Indian transport company using a sample of 1,196 trips across 104 unique routes, and driven by 71 truck drivers over a 30-month span. We establish that SSTL is beneficial for truck driving productivity as it positively influences driving productivity in long-haul trips. There is no conclusive evidence of a negative effect on the productivity in short-haul trips. Furthermore, our results show that more experienced drivers are also more likely to indulge in risky driving behavior. Our findings have immediate practical applications for transport companies that wish to promote operational safety, while safeguarding and even improving operational productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandros Pasparakis & Jelle de Vries & René de Koster & Debjit Roy, 2025. "In the driver’s seat: the role of transformational leadership in safe and productive truck cargo transport," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 1-28, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:flsman:v:37:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10696-024-09539-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10696-024-09539-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. de Vries, Jelle & de Koster, René & Rijsdijk, Serge & Roy, Debjit, 2017. "Determinants of safe and productive truck driving: Empirical evidence from long-haul cargo transport," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 113-131.
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