Natural Resource-based View Theory Research Articles

From knowledge to profit: business reputation as a mediator in the impact of green intellectual capital on business performance

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to support the green movement and improve corporate performance by focusing on green intellectual capital and its various components (e.g. green human capital, green structural capital and green relational capital). Furthermore, this study looks into the impact of business reputation in mediating the link between green intellectual capital qualities and business performance.Design/methodology/approachTo obtain data from the target population, this study employed quantitative techniques and a survey approach for data collection from respondents (managers and employees) of firms. The final sample size was 255.FindingsAccording to structural equation modeling green human capital, green structural capital and green relational capital all have a positive and statistically significant impact on organizational performance. Furthermore, the study shows that a company’s reputation plays an important role in mediating the relationship between the green intellectual capital component and business performance. These findings are confirmed by the natural resource-based perspective theory. This shows that developing green intellectual capital and promoting a green environment increases a company’s reputation among stakeholders, which promotes organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s findings will help policymakers and administrators better understand the role of green intellectual capital in business reputation and performance. Based on empirical data, the study would contribute to the management, environmental science and performance literature.Originality/valueTo the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first study to apply the natural resource-based view theory and to consider corporate reputation as a mediator between green intellectual capital and business success.

Attaining sustainable excellence: Investigating the impact of sustainable scm and circular economy on green garment industry in Bangladesh

Amid global climate challenges, loss of biodiversity and resource depletion firms must act for sustainable performance (SP) and future well-being. It is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms that enhance SP. This study aims to examine the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), and circular economy (CE), on SP in Bangladesh's green garment industry. Employing a quantitative research design, we tested the hypothesized structural model using data from 303 managers collected through surveys. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS SEM) statistical method was utilized to examine the hypotheses. The results indicate that SSCM positively impacts CE and SP, and CE mediates the SSCM-SP link. This study contributes to the literature by enhancing the Natural Resource-Based View theory, presenting SSCM-CE as resources that enhance SP. The findings hold valuable implications for Bangladesh's RMG policymaking practitioners.

Green decisions: The role of environmental strategies and proactivity in India’s manufacturing micro enterprises

This study investigates the implication of environmental strategies and environmental management accounting (EMA) on the environmental performance of manufacturing micro companies in India. It also assesses the mediating influence of EMA and the moderating impact of environmental proactivity. This paper employs the natural resource-based view theory to evaluate the domination of environmental strategies and EMA on environmental effectiveness. Even though MSMEs play a significant role in the Indian economy, their environmental impact is considerable due to less stringent adherence to environmental standards and practices. The data were gathered via a survey administered to managers of MSMEs. In the analysis, 107 reliable responses were included. Partial least square structural equation modeling is employed for the analysis of the dataset. The results show that environmental strategies positively influence environmental performance and EMA. EMA operates as a mediator for environmental strategies and environmental outcomes. Moreover, environmental proactivity moderates the association between environmental strategies and environmental performance. Hypotheses testing results conclude that manufacturing micro companies that emphasize environmental strategies and factors have improved environmental performance. Companies that proactively deal with environmental issues develop strategies to achieve sustainability.

Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Performance: The Role of Green Human Resource Management and Green Transformational Leadership

The environment issue is currently receiving a lot of attention due to the trend of economic development associated with environmental protection, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships between environmental corporate social responsibility (ESCR), green human resource management (GHRM), green transformational leadership (GTL), and environmental performance (EP) in Vietnamese manufacturing companies. The study uses partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 168 managers who are working in Vietnamese manufacturing companies. The study results show that the ECSR positively impacts GHRM, and GHRM positively impacts EP. Furthermore, ECSR has an indirect effect on EP via the mediating role of GHRM, and the influence of GHRM on EP is moderated by GTL. Finally, the findings empirically contribute to the body of literature in the context of ECSR, EP, GHRM, and GTL, utilizing the natural resource-based view theory and the Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) theory.

Unpacking the Role of Green Smart Technologies Adoption, Green Ambidextrous Leadership, and Green Innovation Behaviour on Green Innovation Performance in Malaysian Manufacturing Companies

Integrating the natural resource-based view theory, contingency theory and paradox theory, the current study investigates the impact of the green smart technologies adoption (GSTA) and green ambidextrous leadership (GAL) on green innovation performance (GIP), along with the mediating role of Green Innovation Behaviour (GIB). The research design for this study consists of a quantitative method, a positivism paradigm, a cross-sectional time horizon and a structured questionnaire survey. A total of 313 responses from Malaysian manufacturing firms were analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that GSTA, GAL and GIB positively impact GIP. Moreover, GIB mediates the association between GSTA and GIP, but there is no mediation observed in the GAL–GIP association. The results of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers, management and relevant stakeholders in developing countries on how to strike the right balance of exploitation and exploration leadership in uncertain and volatile market settings, while fostering GSTA and GIP. The adoption of GSTA and GAL improves manufacturing companies’ sustainability. Furthermore, these findings contribute to the Malaysian government’s commitment to the Nationally Determined Contribution towards the Paris Agreement, the Shared Prosperity 2030 vision and the proposed 15 key economic growth activities.

Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management practices in Ghana’s manufacturing sector

PurposeThe study explores manufacturers' supply chain social capital (SCSC) (structural social capital and relational social capital) and supply chain performance, respectively, as drivers and outcome of green supply chain management practices (GSCMPs). Additionally, the study explores the direct relationship between SCSC and supply chain performance of manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachThe author develops and tests a research model grounded in the resource-based view and the natural resource-based view theory using survey data from 100 manufacturing firms operating in Ghana. The measurement model and hypothesized paths were examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings revealed that relational social capital of manufacturers has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance, but structural social capital does not. Additionally, manufacturers' structural social capital and relational social capital were found to have a positive and significant relationship with GSCMPs. Lastly, GSCMPs were found to have a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the limited literature demonstrating the contribution of intangible relational assets, specifically SCSC, toward GSCMPs implementation.

Impact of pollution prevention strategies on environment sustainability: role of environmental management accounting and environmental proactivity.

Environmental sustainability involves meeting current needs without compromising the abilities of future generations. Practical steps must be taken to prevent pollution, decrease waste, and utilize resources. This study investigates the predictors of environmental sustainability in SMEs, focusing on the role of environmental management accounting and environmental proactivity in linking pollution prevention strategies to environmental sustainability using the natural resource-based view theory. This study surveyed 308 Pakistani SMEs employees and tested the data using SPSS v28 and AMOS v26. The results show that pollution control initiatives increased the usage of environmental management accounting, which in turn had a positive impact on environmental sustainability. The study also finds that environmental proactivity is significantly moderate and that environmental management accounting mediates these associations. To the best of our knowledge, this study is unique in that it is the first to provide sustainable implications based on the current framework. This study highlights the importance of implementing pollution prevention strategies, integrating environmental management accounting practices, and fostering environmental proactivity to enhance environmental sustainability performance in SMEs in Pakistan, ultimately leading to improved business competitiveness, positive environmental impacts, and a sustainable future. SMEs can focus on implementing proactive pollution prevention strategies such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and resource optimization. By adopting a proactive approach to pollution prevention, SMEs can reduce their environmental impact and enhance their sustainability performance.

Greening the manufacturing firms: do green supply chain management and organizational citizenship behavior influence firm performance?

The spontaneous organizational citizenship behavior towards environment (OCBE) of employees in the workplace is crucial to businesses' green development and low-carbon transition. However, it was not considered how such behavior could be encouraged for enhanced firm performance. From the natural resource-based view theory perspective, this study tests a model that investigates how green supply chain management practices, green culture, top management commitment, and OCBE, and influences firm performance. A structural equation model (SEM) was utilized to test the hypotheses using 600 survey questionnaires collected from manufacturing firms. The results show that green supply chain management indirectly affects firm performance through green culture and top management commitment. The results reveal that green culture and top management commitment positively and significantly mediate the relationship between green supply chain management and firm performance. Furthermore, the findings show that OCBE has a direct effect on firm performance. Moreover, the results highlight that OCBE has a positive moderating effect on the association between green supply chain management and firm performance. Finally, the study's findings and implications are disclosed to be useful policy instruments for organizations, administrations, and other stakeholders.

Going green: how do green supply chain management and green training influence firm performance? Evidence from a developing country.

Using the natural resource-based view theory, we investigated the relationship between green supply chain management, green training, green organizational culture, and firm performance. Using a survey questionnaire, we obtained data from 650 respondents from the Chinese manufacturing sector. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses in this research. The study's findings indicate that green supply chain management positively influences firm performance. The findings also showed that green training mediates the relationship between green supply chain management and firm performance. Our study's results generally support all direct and indirect impact hypotheses and have several theoretical and practical consequences. Moreover, the findings showed that green organizational culture positively moderates the relationship between green training and firm performance. Furthermore, this study gives vital information to managers and legislators of the manufacturing sector while assessing firm performance. It may assist the senior management in strengthening their internal strategy to optimize their influence on environmental sustainability.

Twin transitions & industry 4.0: Unpacking the relationship between digital and green factors to determine green competitive advantage

The topic of twin transition is playing a key role within the current literature. There is also growing interest amongst researchers, managers, and policy makers to explore this phenomenon. This study investigates whether the pursuit of twin transition can enhance a company's green-based competitive advantage (CA). The authors conducted a PLS-SEM analysis to examine 459 responses collected through purposive technique. A regression analysis was used to further investigate the obtained data. Technological innovation is adopted as a mediator, whereas green work climate perception (GWCP) is adopted as a moderator. The findings suggest that IoT, green human resource management (HRM), and investment in environmental management strategies are directly and indirectly linked with a company's green CA. This study offers concrete suggestions on how the pursuit of environmentally-friendly and technological factors affect a company's green CA. This study makes the following contributions. First, technological innovation and green work climate perception increase green CA. Second, GWCP positively strengthens the relationship between technological innovation and green CA. The empirical findings suggest that management seeking to improve green CA can do so by adopting twin transition. This study further develops the literature on twin transition because it incorporates IoT, green HRM, investment in environmental management, technological innovation, and green work climate perception to measure green CA through the theoretical lens of natural resource-based view theory.

Green maritime practices in an emerging economy towards the achievement of sustainable development: a Ghanaian context

PurposeThe objective to achieve economic growth and sustainable development (SD) within the maritime industry has ever since been the ultimate goal of the International Maritime Organization and its stakeholders. Coupled with this effect, the United Nations organization has also mandated all its bodies to adopt sustainable working policies and practices towards the achievement of SD in its 2030 Agenda. From the standpoint of an emerging economy, this study aims to examine green maritime practices adopted by maritime authorities towards the achievement of SD in the maritime industry of Ghana. The proposed conceptual model of this study supports the natural resource-based view theory advocated by Hart (1995).Design/methodology/approachThe dataset of this study was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 635 valid responses were received as feedback which were tested and analyzed using partial least square structural equation modelling. The rationale for the adoption of this analytical tool is its resilient ability to handle a relatively small quantity of datasets. It is also suitable for empirical studies involving model development and at the early stage of theory development.FindingsThe findings of the study are as follows; firstly, quality maritime education and training directly and significantly influence green maritime transport (GMT), clean ocean and maritime resource conservation (COMRC), green port operations and services (GPOS), SD and waste management and treatment systems (WMTS). Secondly, GMT, COMRC, GPOS and WMTS have a direct significant influence on SD. Lastly, GMT, COMRC, GPOS and WMTS partially mediate the relationship between quality maritime education and training and SD.Practical implicationsThis study proposes a conceptual model that attempts to explain to maritime authorities and stakeholders that although the adoption of green maritime practices significantly influences SD, yet, it may be insufficient without quality maritime education and training provided to maritime professionals. Hence, emphasizing that all maritime personnel receive quality maritime education and training to enhance the long-term achievement of SD in the maritime industry. It also attempts to prove and suggest to maritime authorities how they can collectively integrate both onshore and offshore green maritime practices to achieve SD.Originality/valueThe originality of this study shows in testing a conceptual model that affirms that, achieving SD in the maritime industry is dependent on quality maritime education and training received by maritime personnel, hence, demonstrating the significant role of maritime training institutions towards the maritime industry and the achievement of SD.

The impact of big data analytics capabilities on green supply chain performance: is green supply chain innovation the missing link?

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to examine the impact of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on green radical supply chain innovation (GRSCI), green incremental supply chain innovation (GISCI), and green supply chain performance (GSCP) in the context of a developing country, Jordan. In addition, the mediating effect of GRSCI and GISCI on the relationship between BDAC and GSCP is tested.Design/methodology/approachData collection is carried out through a survey with 303 respondents from manufacturing firms located in Jordan. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling approach is applied to analyse the collected data. Resource-based view and natural resource-based view theory form the adopted theoretical lens for this study.FindingsThe results reveal that BDAC positively and significantly affects GRSCI, GISCI, and GSCP. In addition, the results demonstrate that GRSCI and GISCI positively and significantly affect GSCP. Further, it is also found that GRSCI and GISCI positively and significantly mediate the relationship between BDAC and GSCP.Originality/valueThis study's author develops a theoretical and empirical model to investigate the relationship among BDAC, GRSCI, GISCI, and GSCP. This study offers new theoretical and managerial contributions that add value to the supply chain management literature by testing the mediation model in manufacturing firms located in Jordan.

Environmental performance, political connection, and financial performance: evidence from global oil and gas companies.

Based on the natural resource-based view theory, firms with improved environmental performance will have higher financial performance. Conversely, the neo-classical economic theory argues that improved environmental performance leads to lower financial performance. We argue that these contradicting findings are due to the political connection and treat it as the moderating variable to strengthen the positive effect of environmental performance on financial performance. Using carbon emission, spill volume, and total environmental fines as the environmental performance proxy, we only find that spill volume has a positive relationship with oil and gas companies' financial performance, supporting the natural resource-based view theory. Our results also show the positive effect of political connection on financial performance, supporting the helping-hand theory. Meanwhile, the moderating effect of political connection is only significant in weakening the negative impact of spill volume on financial performance. Practically, government regulation that bans the involvement of politicians in the boards of the oil and gas companies may allow firms to internalize the cost of the environmental damage, and could improve the environmental performance of the firms.

Impact of Green Procurement on Purchasing Performance (Special reference to the Apparel Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka)

This study will explore the impact of green procurement on purchasing by special reference to the ap-parel manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. In order to achieve the stated purpose, the researcher devel-oped three research questions, three research objectives, and three hypotheses. Based on institutional theory and natural resource-based view theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework to clarify the mechanisms underlying the relationship between variables. Utilizing a sample of two hundred and fifty-two Sri Lankan professionals from the large-scaled apparel manufacturing sector, a structural model is outlined and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study results demonstrate that green procurement has a positive and significant impact on purchasing performance. Further, the survey result recommended that the relationship between product-based green procurement and pro-cess-based green procurement on purchasing performance was positive and statistically signifi-cant. Consequently, organizations striving to achieve better purchasing performance should focus more on executing green procurement practices. These two kinds of procurement capabilities present two facets of a firm’s practice on green procurement, which complements rather than substitutes each other. The measurements developed in this study can capture the different aspects of purchasing perfor-mance, thus not only enabling use by practitioners to identify the immediate outcomes of it but also to understand its impacts on organizational performance.

How does green intellectual capital affect environmental performance? Evidence from manufacturing firms in Ghana

Purpose Industrialization has contributed to global environmental problems, especially in developed countries, but increasingly so in developing ones as well. Leveraging on the natural resource-based view theory, this study aims to examine the mediating role of environmental consciousness (EC) on the relationship between green intellectual capital (IC) and environmental performance among manufacturing firms in Ghana against a backdrop of increasing national drive towards greater industrialization. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional survey design to obtain data from 245 manufacturing firms using purposive sampling technique. Structural equation modelling was used to test for the hypothesized relationships among variables. Findings Evidence suggests that green IC has a significantly positive effect on environmental performance. Furthermore, it was found that green IC has a positive and significant effect on EC, but EC only mediated the relationship between green IC and environmental performance. Practical implications Manufacturing firms within emerging economies like Ghana can improve on their green practices by incorporating these findings in their business models, while research could be guided to focus their inquiries on this and related genre of scholarly work. Originality/value This study is an early-stage study to identify EC as a variable which mediates the relationship between green IC and environmental performance among manufacturing firms in an emerging economy like Ghana.

Interplay between lean management and circular production system: implications for zero-waste performance, green value competitiveness, and social reputation

PurposeThis study explores the interplay between lean management and circular production systems and their implications on zero-waste performance, green value competitiveness and social reputation.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire-based survey methodology is used to obtain empirical data from Ghanaian manufacturing SMEs. A multivariate statistical technique, specifically partial least square structural equation modelling is chosen to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe empirical results confirm that lean management is a vital element in moving SMEs towards the implementation of circular production systems. The results also confirm that lean management and circular production systems combine effectively to bring about significant improvement in zero-waste performance, reinforce green value competitiveness and boost social reputation. The results further confirm the mediation role of circular production system between lean management, zero-waste performance, green value competitiveness and social reputation.Originality/valueAnchored on the tenets of the natural resource-based view theory, resource orchestration theory and stakeholder theory, this study proposes an integrated research model that builds new insights into the relationship between lean management, circular production system, zero-waste performance, green value competitiveness and social reputation. The proposed model directs the actions of SME managers in emerging countries to comprehensively evaluate their production processes to equalize the possible compatibility of lean management and circular production systems to meet their zero-waste performance targets, gain green value competitiveness and stimulate social reputation.

Environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty and green performance: in green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management perspectives

PurposeThe organizations focus on environmental factors as stakeholders exert pressure to reduce the environmental influence arising from production tasks. This study aims to see the influence of the environmental management control system (MCS) package and perceived environmental uncertainty on green performance with the mediating role of green dynamic capabilities in Pakistani manufacturing organizations. Moreover, this study aims to see the moderating role of investment in environmental management between green dynamic capabilities and green performance.Design/methodology/approachThe partial least square structural equation modeling technique is used to test hypotheses. The data was collected through questionnaires using simple random sampling, and a total of 404 questionnaires were used in the final analysis. The data was collected from September 2021 to November 2021. Multiple regression analysis followed to see the influence of environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management on green performance.FindingsEnvironmental MCS package, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management are positively related to green performance. Despite this, perceived environmental uncertainty is negatively related to green performance. Moreover, green dynamic capabilities significantly mediate between environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty and green performance. Finally, investment in environmental management significantly moderates between green dynamic capabilities and green performance.Practical implicationsThis research covers vital issues that how top management uses the environmental MCS package, perceived environmental uncertainty, green dynamic capabilities and investment in environmental management in determining green performance.Originality/valueThis research adds value to the existing literature by focusing on predictors that determine green performance. This pioneering study observes the influence of environmental MCS package and perceived environmental uncertainty on green performance and green dynamic capabilities as mediators by applying natural resource-based view theory. Moreover, investment in environmental management is used as a moderator between green dynamic capabilities and green performance. Finally, this study can benefit management, industrial policymakers and academicians.

Building Green Smart City Capabilities in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Information and communication technology is currently developing rapidly. It has created a great number of opportunities for governments worldwide to meet the demands of the public in providing services including environmentally friendly public services for the community and citizens. This study aims to present a case study on public services of South Sumatra government programs in order to develop a green smart city concept by combining smart city and green IT concepts which aim to align and incorporate green IT components, including pollution prevention, product stewardship, and clean technology into conceptual variants, essential elements, and strategic principles. A smart city is an innovative and modern concept utilising technology to facilitate and provide public information and to improve environmentally friendly public services through smart applications. South Sumatera is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has been implementing a smart city to provide environmentally friendly public services through the command centre. It is used to monitor an entire government agency’s activities and communicates with the public. To fulfil the aims of the study, this study identifies the comprehensive environmentally friendly public services through Natural Resource-Based View Theory perspectives. In addition, this study deploys in-depth interviews with sources or informants as a form of data search and direct observation. The number of informants used as research respondents consisted of several elements of the government, including the executive, legislative, and implementing agencies. The study reveals that the South Sumatera Government has several environmentally friendly public services that could be deployed to prevent pollution and reduce the emission in their activities. Further, the government in South Sumatra has product and service stewardships and invests in clean technology to minimise the adverse impacts of their activities on the environment.

Clean and green: the relevance of hotels' website quality and environmental management initiatives for green customer loyalty

PurposeCustomers' focus increasingly turns to the green practices of firms. Organizations need to rethink their strategies and position themselves concerning their environmental responsibility. The idea behind this study is to observe the influence of hotel website quality and hotel environmental management initiative (HEMI) on green customer loyalty in the Pakistan hotel industry with the mediating role of green trust (GT) and green satisfaction (GS).Design/methodology/approachThe study is quantitative, and partial least squares structural equation modelling followed to test the proposed hypotheses. A total of 542 questionnaires were used for analysis through SPSS 25.0 and SmartPLS 3.2.9.FindingsThe findings confirm the proposed positive influence of hotel website quality and HEMI on green customer loyalty. Moreover, GT and GS significantly mediate the relationship, further enhancing the relevance of green practices for hotels.Practical implicationsHotel management can get maximum customer loyalty to concentrate on hotel website quality, HEMI, GT and GS.Originality/valueThis study aims to develop a research model to incorporate hotel website quality, HEMI, GT, GS and green customer loyalty by using signalling theory and natural resource-based view theory that prior studies ignored.

Why is manufacturing not more sustainable? The effects of different sustainability practices on sustainability outcomes and competitive advantage

Over the last decades, there has been growing worldwide concern for the notable contribution of manufacturing activities to environmental damages. In this context, there is an open debate regarding the incentives of companies to move from mere compliance strategies towards voluntary adoption of environmental responsibility strategies, simultaneously considering economic, environmental and social objectives. This paper aims to analyse the effect of different sets of sustainability practices on sustainability outcomes and the competitive advantage of manufacturing firms. The study distinguishes between internal, external monitoring and external collaborative sustainability practices and considers their effect on regulatory, environmental and manufacturing sustainability outcomes in order to identify their contribution to the competitive advantage of firms. Drawing on natural resource-based view theory, social exchange theory and transaction cost theory, and recent evidence in the field, the study tests several hypotheses using data from the fourth round of the High-Performance Management (HPM) project. Through structural equation modelling with partial least square methodology (PLS-SEM), this study shows the existence of differential effects of sustainability practices on sustainability outcomes and competitive advantage using a sample of 263 manufacturing plants located in 15 countries from three industry sectors. The findings of this study indicate that there are many reasons to be more sustainable. The adoption and effective implementation of both internal sustainability practices and external collaborative approaches boost sustainability outcomes. Manufacturing sustainability outcomes contribute the most to competitive advantage of manufacturing companies compared with regulatory or environmental ones. For practitioners, this study highlights the challenge of well-implemented internal sustainability practices that give support for effective collaborations, both determinants to achieve operational performance and competitive advantage. For the academia, this study shows that the interplay of different theories helps to understand the differential effects of sustainability in manufacturing.