An evaluation was made to identify how the different degrees of sophistication in the logistical organization of Brazilian industrial companies affect their decision to outsource logistic services. To this end, based on a review of the literature, variables relating to the sophistication of logistic organization and the main reasons for deciding to outsource were defined. 218 questionnaires were mailed to industrial companies listed in Exame magazine. The 93 companies that filled out the questionnaire were divided into two groups based on their reasons for outsourcing logistic services: (1) companies with high levels of formal organization and low levels of IT use, and (2) companies with low levels of formal organization but high levels of IT use. The findings are discussed from the standpoint of opportunities available to outsourced service providers to enhance the logistical services they offer to these two groups of companies.
outsourcing; logistics; motivators; Brazilian companies
