Exploring entrepreneurial actions of logistics firms for achieving success: An application of entrepreneurial action theory

• Logistics firms act on opportunities aligned with their success factors, armed with knowledge and strategy. • Opportunities link to macroeconomic shifts, sustainability, technological advances, and market changes. • Market changes driven by mega shipping, M&As, local and international competition. • Logistics’ success factors: strong partnerships, financial stability, adaptable services, reputation. • Logistics success strategies: cost management, efficiency, niche markets, collaborations. This paper explores how Entrepreneurial Action Theory (EAT) enhances our understanding of action development in logistics firms and enriches the knowledge of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in the logistics sector. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study conducts in-depth interviews with 21 senior employees and managers from logistics firms in Vietnam. This study identifies five dimensions of CSFs and highlights the importance of knowledge in four key areas. Additionally, it identifies four key environmental changes that impact the success of logistics firms. The integration of these findings with EAT leads to a proposed theoretical framework explaining the entrepreneurial actions of logistics firms in their pursuit of success. The paper provides valuable insights into achieving success in the contemporary era and outlines appropriate actions for logistics firms.