The adoption of sustainable supply chain management and the role of organisational culture: a Chinese perspective

Purpose This paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of the impact of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices on sustainable performance and the further impact of sustainable performance on food safety assurance in Chinese food firms. The paper also aims to provide a new way to avoid the occurrence of food safety problems from the perspective of SSCM and so help food firms to achieve sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach This paper developed a conceptual model to investigate the impact of food firms SSCM practices on the firm performances while firm performances on food safety assurance. The primary data were collected from 162 Chinese food firms. The research models were tested using structural equation modeling on PLS smart 3.0. Findings The results show that SSCM practices have a positive impact on firm environmental performance and social performances. The environmental and social performance positively related to financial performance. Moreover, the sustainable performance positively affects the food safety assurance. Research limitations/implications Our results suggest that SSCM practices have a positive impact on a firm’s environmental and social performance, which in turn improves financial performance. Moreover, sustainable performance positively affects food safety assurance. Originality/value An SSCM practices model is proposed to empirically evaluate Chinese food firms. The results of this investigation support the hypotheses that SSCM practices are environmentally and socially friendly and are good to business, and the food safety assurance can be promoted by a food firm’s sustainability performance. We carried out a survey and research of SSCM in food industry and gave insights to food safety management.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of food safety level on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and firm performance of the core firm of the food industry in China and we used data from 372 companies in the Chinese food supply chain for our research. Key informants evaluate their companies based on SSCM practices. The results were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that SSCM practices are very important for the food firms, since they can improve the food safety level and further enhance the firms' economic, environmental, and social performances. The authors also found out that the food safety mediates the relationship between SSCM practices and environmental and social performance, and that if a food firm wants to make SSCM practices impact on the economic performance, it must pay attention to the responsibility for food safety in the internal SSCM practices. A comprehensive SSCM practices and firm performance model done empirically in food firms is proposed in conjunction with the mediating role of food safety level in this paper to provide new ideas and management methods for Chinese food firms to develop more effective food safety management.

Purpose – Most sustainable supply chains are situated in dynamic environments, which leads to the assumption that management of such chains requires the application of dynamic management theories, such as the dynamic capabilities (DC) concept. In spite of this, DCs have only scarcely been taken up in (sustainable) supply chain management (SSCM) research. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to discuss the complementarities of DCs and SSCM research; and second, to develop a framework which integrates DCs in SSCM practices. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual in nature and grounded in SSCM and DC theory. Relevant literature from the SCM, SSCM and DC context has been scrutinized. In total, three models from SSCM and DC literature, together with related inputs from other literature sources, have been conjoined. Findings – DC and SSCM are linked through similar environmental and organizational conditions, making the application of DC concepts in the field of SSCM a logical choice. The framework embeds specific DCs into SSCM practices. Research limitations/implications – The presented framework is a step towards building an analytical basis for future empirical research in this area. Discussion on the nature of DCs is still going on, as well as on how to measure supply chain performance. The framework can only give indications and help in the theory building process. Furthermore, the underlying frameworks used for the development of the framework presented here have been derived through different methodologies and not all of them have, as yet, been (fully) empirically tested. Practical implications – Investment in DCs and implementation of SSCM practices improves the agility of the overall supply chain and can lead to higher performance against the three dimensions of sustainability. Originality/value – The paper is the first explicit framework linking SSCM and DC theory. The framework shows that the DC concept can be and indeed should be applied to SSCM research and practice. Furthermore, explicit DCs are put forward. It is a step towards building an analytical basis for future empirical research in this area.

The drive for the adoption of Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices among pharmaceutical companies is on the rise given the global effort to attain net zero of carbon emissions as well as attaining other targets for the sustainable development goals. The pharmaceutical industry plays vital role in the manufacturing and distribution of medications, and therefore sustainability issues are critical for the survival of the industry. However, the adoption of sustainable practices in the upstream pharmaceutical industry is still low, and there is lack of empirical research in this area, particularly in emerging economies like Ghana. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the level of adoption of sustainable supply chain practices, focusing on the role of the policy framework, the influence of these practices on company performance, and the role of top executives in ensuring sustainability. The study utilizes a mixed method approach and leverages the upper echelon theory to explore the role of managers on sustainable supply chain practices. This dissertation explore the state of the upstream pharmaceutical Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices in Ghana, evaluate the role of the upstream pharmaceutical policy framework of Ghana on supply chain sustainability, identify how upstream pharmaceutical Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices influence the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Ghana, and to examine the role of top management in ensuring upstream pharmaceutical sustainable supply chain management practices in Ghana. By addressing the above objectives, the study promotes academic debate and provides insights for policy directions in the pharmaceutical industry for sustainable growth and development. The research design includes both explanatory and exploratory approaches, with a concurrent/parallel mixed methods design combining quantitative and qualitative data. Specifically, the concurrent triangulation design mixed method was adopted. The target population was employees of locally owned upstream pharmaceutical companies in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. From a finite population of about 2000, stratified and purposive strategies were used to select 18 participants under the qualitative aspect, while random sampling technique was used to select 334 for the quantitative aspect of the study. Therefore, the total sample size for this study was 352 participants. Data collection involved the use of questionnaire and structured interview guide, and data analysis included structural equation modeling for quantitative data and thematic analysis as well as content analysis for qualitative data. Quantitative results indicated that Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices have a positive significant association with Sustainable Supply Chain Management performance for upstream pharmaceutical companies. Results showed that, there was positive impact of Top Management Commitment on Sustainable Supply Chain Management to performance. Furthermore, there was justification for Top Management Commitment as a moderator on the association between Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices and Sustainable Supply Chain Management performance. The study's findings on sustainable supply chain management practices in the upstream pharmaceutical sector in Ghana have significant theoretical, managerial, and policy implications. The interviews revealed the importance of socially inclusive practices, eco-friendly manufacturing, waste management, supplier involvement, and collaborations are important factors to consider in achieving sustainability goals. Theoretical implications include the recognition of responsible sourcing as a crucial component of sustainable supply chain management and the importance of socially responsible human resource management strategies. Managerially, the adoption of green manufacturing practices, waste management, and supplier engagement are highlighted as strategies for enhancing sustainability. Policy implications emphasize the need for supportive policies and regulations that promote responsible sourcing, green manufacturing, waste management, and supplier engagement in the upstream of pharmaceutical industry. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive association between sustainable supply chain management and organizational performance. The role of top management in ensuring the adoption and implementation of sustainable supply chain management practices is crucial, with implications for leadership, resource allocation, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Policy-wise, support for sustainable supply chain management practices and capacity-building initiatives are crucial for the adopting and implementations of these practices within the pharmaceutical industry. Overall, the study provides insights for theory, practice, and policy to enhance sustainability in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Purpose: The aim of this research paper is to significantly contribute to empirical research on the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on sustainable performances of firms, with the moderating effect of process innovation (PI), in the manufacturing sector in Pakistan. This paper also theorizes comprehensive SSCM practices and sustainable performance models of firms and evaluates them empirically. Two aspects of SSCM experiences have been integrated into the model: internal management and external management practices of a firm’s sustainability impact assessment. Research methodology: Using the data from 297 manufacturing firms in Pakistan, this research paper analyzes the influence of sustainable supply chain management practices on sustainable performances of firms with the moderation of process innovation in the said relationship. In this study, we used partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. Results: The findings demonstrate that both internal management and external management SSCM practices have a positive and significant impact on a firm’s sustainable performance, thus supporting hypotheses (H1–H4). Moreover, process innovation as a moderator has a statistically significant relationship between hypotheses H5 and H5c. Originality: For Pakistani firms, comprehensive performance models of SSCM practices are proposed and empirically evaluated. The results of this study help to support the hypotheses that internal and external SSCM practices are necessary for the service sector. Process innovation plays an important role if managed and implemented properly. A number of internal and external SSCM approaches and implications are recommended, along with firm size as a moderator.

In recent years, both businesses and academia have started to recognize sustainability as a crucial aspect of gaining a competitive advantage in the supply chain.This study aims to assess the effects of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on textile sectors' sustainability performance.It also assesses how supply chain ambidexterity mediates the connection between SSCM, from a triple bottom line (TBL) standpoint, and firm sustainability performance outcomes.Using the resource-based view and stakeholder theories, the study employed 240 survey responses from firms operating in textile industry in Pakistan and the validity and reliability of the data were confirmed, and the hypotheses were evaluated, using PLS-SEM.The findings show that SSCM practices have a major favorable influence on Sustainability Performance (SP) and Supply Chain Ambidexterity (SCA).Furthermore, in Pakistan's textile industry, SCA acts as a mediator in the relationship between SSCM and Sustainability Performance.Through an analysis of the fundamental factors and connections that lead to the development of the intricate connection between SSCM practices from a triple bottom line viewpoint and a company's sustainability performance, this research contributes to the current literature on SSCM and SCA, especially in the context of Pakistan's textile industry, by identifying the mediation effect of SCA on SSCM and SP.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on triple bottom line (TBL) measures from the perspective of organizational theories. This study identified five SSCM practices using a comprehensive literature review and feedback from industry experts. These five practices were prioritized using a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). The results from FAHP analysis were further confirmed by conducting semi-structured interviews in five electronics parts/components manufacturing organizations. This study also prioritized theoretical drivers of SSCM adoption based on the consideration of three organizational theory perspectives – Institutional Theory; Resource-Based View, and; Social Network Theory. The results indicate that the economic dimension was the most important measure for implementing SSCM while sustainable design was the most important SSCM practice for achieving the TBL. The study also found that Institutional Theory is the most important theoretical driver for implementing SSCM. The research findings provide insight for management to allocate necessary resources and to develop effective strategic directions for the implementation of SSCM practices.

Sustainable supply chain management practices in Indian automotive industry: A multi-stakeholder view

A growing body of research emphasises sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in contrary with limited studies exploring role of information technology (IT) in sustainable supply chain activities. Moreover, little is known on SSCM implementation in niche industries like fashion/textile-apparel industry. As most studies concentrated on investigating IT impact on business performance and profitability in supply chain, integrating sustainable practice with IT is still scarce. The aim of this study is to identify current SSCM practices with the focus on IT role in supporting SSCM in fashion industry. For that purpose, this study applies the sustainable key practices framework discussed in the literature of SSCM and adopted previous study framework that differentiates four IT roles for sustainability. Using the proposed frameworks, interviews were conducted with five fashion practitioners that are currently engaged with SSCM practices. The findings from this study highlight the existence of SSCM practices in fashion industry. Finally, this finding enhances the current understanding of how IT can support SSCM practices and helps future research in exploring the IT implementation, challenges and benefit towards SSCM.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute significantly to the empirical investigations related to the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on performance in Chinese firms. The paper also aims to theorize and empirically assess a comprehensive SSCM practices and performance model. The model incorporates two aspects of SSCM practices: internal and external management, and analyses the impact on corporate sustainability performance from all dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a conceptual model to investigate the impact of SSCM practices on the firm performance. Based on the data of 172 Chinese firms, this paper analyzes the impact of SSCM practices on firm economic performance, environmental performance, and social performance for each dimension by using PLS structural equation methods.FindingsThe results show that firm’s internal SSCM practices have a positive impact on firm’s environmental performance and social performance. Moreover, environmental performance and social performance are positively related to economic performance.Originality/valueA comprehensive SSCM practices performance model is proposed and empirically assessed for Chinese firms. The results of this investigation support the hypotheses that SSCM practices are environmentally and socially necessary and are favorable for business. A series of approach and implications of SSCM practices is recommended.

PurposeAchieving sustainability within supply chain operations is widely considered to boost firms’ competitiveness and bottom line. Thus, researchers have examined the implications of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on firm performance outcomes, albeit with inconclusive results. Also, significant unexplored gaps exist regarding the intervening role of supply chain integration (SCI). Anchored in the political economy theory, this study explored how different forms of SCI mediate the relationship between each of the triple-bottom-line (TBL) pillars of SSCM practices and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe research model and associated hypotheses were tested using 455 survey data obtained from a cross-section of Ghanaian firms and the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.FindingsThe results indicate that all the TBL dimensions of SSCM practices significantly and positively impact firm performance. Nevertheless, various forms of SCI mediate the link between SSCM practices and firm performance differently. Specifically, the findings reveal that customer integration and internal integration mediate the relationship between SSCM practices and firm performance. Supplier integration mediates the relationships between the economic and environmental aspects of SSCM practices and firm performance but not the relationship between the social dimension and firm performance.Originality/valueThis study fulfills a noteworthy literature gap by providing empirical evidence of the mediating role of SCI in translating SSCM practices into better firm performance, especially in the context of a developing country. Thus, it offers guidance for firms to leverage integration with strategic supply chain partners and implement SSCM practices effectively and, in turn, to ensure better performance.

Sustainability has profound implications for environmental competitiveness, yet little has been done to study the feasibility of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices as a predictor of organizational performance (operational and environmental performance). By integrating stakeholder theory and dynamic capability theory, this study aims to determine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on SSCM practices and assess its impact on organizational performance. This research also investigates the role of big data analytical capabilities (BDAC) in mediating the relationship between SSCM practices and organizational performance. The authors collected data online, examined 320 valid responses, and tested research hypotheses. The findings suggest that CSR (both internal and external CSR) positively promotes SSCM practices and contributes to expanding dynamic capacity theory in the context of BDA capabilities. BDAC is also a key mediator between SSCM practices and organizational performance. These results contribute to and improve the research on stakeholder theory and SSCM practice and provide a new perspective for scholars to further study this issue.

The construction industry faces significant challenges in implementing sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices. This study explores the capability of big data analytics in enhancing SSCM in construction projects. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the benefits, challenges, and barriers of adopting Big Data technologies in SSCM. The findings highlight the importance of big data analytics in improving supply chain visibility, reducing risks, and promoting sustainable practices. The study also identifies several challenges and barriers to the adoption of Big Data technologies in SSCM, including social, economic, and environmental concerns. The research provides insights into the role of big data analytics in driving SSCM in the construction industry. The study's findings have significant implications for construction companies, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to improve the sustainability of their supply chains. By leveraging big data analytics, construction companies can enhance their SSCM practices, reduce their environmental impact, and improve their bottom line. This study contributes to the growing body of research on Big Data and SSCM in the construction industry.

This study aims to explore the relationship between the adoption of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices and operational performance outcomes in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia, using NUPCO as a case study. A descriptive analytical quantitative approach was adopted, and data were collected through an electronic questionnaire distributed to a sample of 289 employees out of a total population of 1,166. The questionnaire addressed SSCM dimensions (green procurement, green distribution, eco-design, and reverse logistics) and operational performance dimensions (quality, cost, and flexibility). The findings revealed a Agree level of SSCM implementation, with an overall mean of 3.41, indicating a tendency toward agreement, while operational performance was Agree, with a mean of 3.99—flexibility being the highest at 4.07. Regression analysis showed statistically significant positive effects: green procurement influenced quality with a coefficient of 0.435, cost with 0.532, and flexibility with 0.405. Eco-design affected quality, cost, and flexibility with coefficients of 0.317, 0.371, and 0.281, respectively. Green distribution had a positive effect on quality (0.327) and cost (0.374), while reverse logistics had a limited effect, impacting only cost (0.131). The study recommends enhancing the infrastructure for green distribution and reverse logistics and integrating green procurement and eco-design practices into operational strategies to improve performance and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

Firms implement sustainable product design, sustainable manufacturing, and recycling as core sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices to address public demands. In Society 5.0, public engagement with these practices in cyberspace reshapes business designs and reflects them in physical spaces, driving societal transformation. Understanding public reactions is essential to align firms’ SSCM practices with public requirements, prioritising human well-being and advancing human-centric, citizen co-creation, and urban symbiosis logics. Analysing 26,620 social media posts from 19 fashion brands, we find sustainable product design and recycling initiatives have a significantly positive effect on public reactions. Sustainable manufacturing overall has insignificantly positive effects, but disaggregating it reveals sustainable sourcing has significantly positive effects on public reaction, while sustainable production does not have significant effects. Firms should prioritise investments in sustainable product design, sourcing, and recycling to enhance public reactions, gain legitimacy, and promote sustainable development for social benefit.