Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Logistics MNE Strategy in China

Background: This study examines how logistics multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in China shape and adapt their strategies under complex institutional and competitive conditions. Existing research provides limited insight into how foreign logistics MNEs adjust strategy after market entry and sustain competitive performance over time. Methods: A qualitative longitudinal case-study design was employed using 217 sources collected over nine years, including expert interviews, televised professional interviews, media reports, and company publications. The study develops the Tent Pole Strategy Framework by integrating ownership, location, and internalisation considerations with firm resources, industry competition, and institutional conditions. Results: The findings identify five strategic capabilities that emerge as critical success factors: strategic service portfolio adaptation, technology-enabled customer integration, organisational capability and talent development, institutional embeddedness and local footprint, and strategic governance and market penetration. Conclusions: The study contributes to logistics and international business research by explaining post-entry adaptation and sustained competitive performance among logistics MNEs operating in China. It extends understanding of how strategic capabilities support long-term strategic viability in a complex institutional environment.