Purpose

This paper aims to theoretically analyze if the industrial network perspective can be applied in humanitarian supply chains strategies. In particular, if strategies have an impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the humanitarian logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper proceeds by reutilizing academically known facts, policies and managerial aspects in the humanitarian logistics context. Specifically, taking the approach of “a missing perspective” from the industry field into the logistics strategy settings. A closer look will be given to three main concepts; the network as independent variable, focusing on the nature of the relationships; the network as dependent variable, impacting the relationships activities; and the network as transaction between the motivations and the response of the actors.

Findings

Theoretically adopting the industry network strategy approach, into the humanitarian logistics strategy context can have an impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain. Recognition of the importance of networks in the strategy settings of humanitarian logistics is vitally important to their success.

Practical implications The concepts and ideas concerning networks that are presented in this paper have practical implications in humanitarian logistics strategy settings. This paper takes up the policy aspects involved in deciding whether networks can be managed, improved, or even prevented in humanitarian situations.

Theoretical implications

This paper concludes that further research is needed to understand the ways in which actors, activities and resources are related to each other in the networks structures involved in the humanitarian logistics strategy.

Original/value

While the concept of “a missing perspective” (the industrial network perspective in the strategy settings) has been researched and is mentioned in literature developed over a large period of time, this perspective has not been previously applied to the challenges in the humanitarian logistics context. This issue must be considered since it has an important impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian logistics.