Top Management Commitment Research Articles

Green innovation and purchasing strategy: Mediators between top management commitment and competitive advantage

This article aims to investigate how top management commitment (TMC) affects competitive advantage (CPA) within the manufacturing industry in Vietnam. It specifically explores the mediating roles played by purchasing strategy (PSG) and green innovation (GRI). By integrating these variables into a unified model, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how TMC translates into CPA through strategic purchasing and environmental innovations, using PLS-SEM to analyze the relationships between TMC, purchasing strategy, green innovation, and CPA. Theoretical frameworks such as the AMO theory, RBV theory, and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory underpin the article, guiding the formulation of hypotheses and interpretation of results. The findings indicate that TMC significantly enhances CPA by positively influencing purchasing strategy and green innovation. Both purchasing strategy and green innovation serve as crucial mediators, translating TMC into tangible competitive benefits. The article highlights the importance of proactive and strategic purchasing, as well as the implementation of green innovations, in achieving sustainable CPAs in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing enterprises are encouraged to invest in green technologies and develop strategic purchasing policies that align with their sustainability goals. This approach not only enhances competitive positioning but also addresses environmental and social responsibilities.

Quality Management Practices for Improved Performance in Liquor Production Projects

Quality has long been an issue, even in terms of African traditional winemakers, they would go as far as meticulously producing high-quality alcohols to assure that they produce delightful drinks in celebration. However, in modern times, focus on health and economic pressures, has compromised quality in liquor production mostly motivated by profit and dilution measures. The study intends to investigate the effect of Quality Management Practices (QMPs) on performance of liquor production projects in Rulindo District, Rwanda, specifically, top management commitment, Stakeholder involvement, Customer focus and Employee empowerment. The study was grounded on two theories of Quality Management Theory and Performance Theory. A descriptive survey and correlation research designs were employed. The target population was 293 respondents, including Top Management representatives, Key regulatory bodies’ officers (RSB, RRA), Project Partners and Stakeholders (PSF, Rulindo district community leaders), Safety and Health Officers, out of which a sample size of 169 respondents was drawn using Solvin’s formula. Questionnaire, interview, and documentary analysis were used for data collection. A pilot study involving 17 participants was done. Validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index that yielded a value of 0.76 while reliability was measured through Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient value of 0.76 which was above the minimum threshold of 0.7. Descriptive and inferential statistics of correlation and regression analysis were done at a significant level of 0.05 using SPSS version 28. The study adhered to ethical consideration, emphasizing on informed consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring anonymity throughout the research process. The findings for four hypotheses were tested at a significance level of ?=0.05, and the results were as follows: top management (P=0.000<0.05); stakeholder involvement (P=0.000<0.05); customer focus (P=0.000<0.05) and; employee empowerment (p=0.000<0.05) does not significantly influence project performance were all rejected. The study concludes that liquor production projects in Rulindo District benefit from top management commitment, stakeholder involvement, customer focus, and employee empowerment, which collectively drive performance improvements. The study recommended that liquor production projects emphasize leadership commitment, inclusive stakeholder participation, customer feedback mechanisms, and regular employee empowerment initiatives to sustain performance. Future research could explore qualitative insights, the long-term impact of these practices, and their applicability to other regions or industries.

Identification and prioritization of drivers for successful green manufacturing implementation employing the Best-Worst Method: evidence from Iranian manufacturing industries

PurposeGreen manufacturing (GM) has emerged as a vital strategy to minimize environmental impacts and maximize resource efficiency in industrial production. The main aim of this work is to identify and validate essential criteria for GM and prioritize drivers of successful GM implementation frameworks for the manufacturing industry based on Best–Worst Methodology (BWM).Design/methodology/approachThis work explores the essential factors required to achieve long-term success in GM, followed by their comparison using the BWM to determine the most and least important indicators. The study conducted purposive sampling to gather data from 15 experts representing diverse industries in the manufacturing sector. The research methodology consists of three main steps: criteria identification through literature review, criteria validation using the content validity ratio (CVR) method and the BWM application to rank the indicators.FindingsThe main success factors identified included top management commitment, organizational culture, employee training, cost saving, investment in innovation and technology, environmental regulation, zero-emission and waste management. The results obtained through BWM indicated top management commitment, investment in innovation and technology and organizational culture as the most critical factors for successful GM implementation. Other factors, such as zero-emission, waste management and cost savings, were also significant but ranked lower in significance. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of top management commitment to successfully adopting GM initiatives.Originality/valueThis research provides insights into the key success factors, through which decision-makers are assisted in prioritizing efforts and implementing sustainable and eco-friendly practices in manufacturing processes. However, further research is recommended to address existing gaps and foster a deeper understanding of crucial success factors for successful GM implementation.

Sustainable management practices, operational and sustainable performance in manufacturing contexts: empirical evidence from a developing economy

Purpose Sustainable management practices are crucial environmental initiatives implemented by manufacturing organisations to mitigate growing social and ecological problems and progress operational and economic successes. The theory of constraints highlights the essence of adopting sustainability practices, including green management, lean management, top management commitment and reverse logistics, to address production constraints and achieve manufacturing performance. However, more empirical evidence is required to determine whether sustainability practices affect manufacturing performance metrics in economies like Ghana. This research establishes whether adopting sustainable management practices impacts manufacturers’ operational and sustainable performance. Design/methodology/approach This deductive research adopts an explanatory research design. Survey data was administered to 285 managers in 5,329 manufacturing businesses in Ghana. The data was processed and analysed with SmartPLS4.1 and structural equation modelling. Findings Green management and top management commitment positively predict the performance aspects of manufacturing organisations in Ghana. Also, reverse logistics and lean management practices improve firms’ operational, social and environmental performance, except for economic performance. It is concluded that manufacturing businesses that embrace sustainable management practices can improve their performance. Research limitations/implications Although the study’s objectives were primarily achieved, it was geographically restricted to Ghana, a developing country. Also, it was carried out within the boundaries of explanatory design and structural equation modelling. Practical implications It provides comprehensive information to assist owner-managers in prioritising heavy investments in appropriate sustainable management practices. It will also encourage them to develop a sustainability culture within their firms and supply chains to fast-track and sustain the adopted practices. These measures will enable manufacturing organisations to effectively handle growing sustainability problems to leverage their sustainable and operational performance. Originality/value This study analyses the interplay between sustainable management practices and manufacturing performance dimensions in a developing economy. Hence, the outcomes would serve as valuable guidelines for selecting relevant practices to foster sustainable production and meet performance objectives.

Assessing Lean 4.0 critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

PurposeThe present research identifies and prioritizes the critical success factors (CSFs) for Lean 4.0 (L4.0) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). L4.0 integrates Lean principles with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, for instance wireless networks, Internet of things (IoT), big data, cloud computing (CC), etc., offering significant opportunities to enhance operational efficiency by reducing non-value-adding activities.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts the “Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL)” methodology to examine and assess the connections between CSFs for L4.0 implementation. Data were gathered from SMEs using qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure comprehensive insights into the critical enablers of L4.0 adoption.FindingsThe study identifies Top Management Support and Commitment, Employee Training and Financial Capabilities as the most important CSFs for L4.0 adoption in SMEs. These factors significantly impact the adoption process, providing actionable insights for SME leaders to overcome challenges and optimize implementation strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing knowledge of L4.0 by highlighting key CSFs relevant to SMEs, a sector often constrained by resources but crucial for economic development. The findings provide a practical roadmap for SME entrepreneurs to achieve operational excellence and competitiveness through effective L4.0 adoption.

Readiness for artificial intelligence adoption by auditors in emerging countries – a PLS-SEM analysis of Moroccan firms

Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the readiness to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) tools within Moroccan auditing firms. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was used, using survey data to examine the influence of perceived usefulness (PU), ease of use (EU) and top management commitment (TMC) on AI adoption readiness (AIAR) in auditing. A conceptual model, drawing from the technology acceptance model (TAM) and supported by findings from previous literature, was proposed. The model was tested using partial least squares – structural equation modelling on data collected from 116 Moroccan respondents. Findings The study confirmed that PU and TMC do not significantly influence the AIAR in auditing in Morocco, whereas EU is positively and significantly associated to the AIAR. Research limitations/implications The study presents findings based on data from a single country, which may limit the broader applicability of the results to other contexts or regions with different regulatory, cultural or economic environments. Practical implications The results suggest that TAM is not necessarily adapted to AI adoption within an emerging context like Morocco. The significant role of EU in AIAR suggests that Moroccan firms should prioritize the development and integration of AI tools that are intuitive and user-friendly. AI should be presented not only as a tool for enhancing audit quality but also as a means of reducing workload and improving efficiency. Furthermore, rather than relying solely on top-down mandates, a more decentralized approach to AI adoption could be effective, where individual auditors are empowered to experiment with AI tools and integrate them into their practices. This approach could foster a culture of innovation and gradual adoption, increasing the likelihood of successful AI integration within Moroccan auditing firms. Social implications AI adoption in auditing can promote societal benefits by enhancing transparency, accountability and trust in both public and private sectors. In countries like Morocco, where financial transparency is lacking but vital for stability, AI can help reduce corruption, improve decision-making and foster public trust, ultimately supporting investment and social equity. Originality/value This paper offers an original contribution by examining AIAR in Morocco’s auditing sector, focusing on an emerging market and African context. Unlike studies in developed countries, it highlights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Moroccan auditors, considering factors like PU, EU and TMC. It challenges organizations to assess their readiness and the ability of their employees to effectively integrate AI into their workflows.

Electric Power Industry: Relationship Between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Organizational Performance of Conformity Assessment Body in The Industry

The Indonesian government has increased fuel prices through Decree 218.K/MG.01/MEM.M/2022. This is in response to an increase in the energy subsidy budget of IDR 502.4 trillion. Additionally, current geopolitical conditions have greatly influenced the price of energy commodities in the world market. This has caused the government to change fossil fuel usage to electrical energy. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the implementation of TQM and organizational performance in PT XYZ, as well as identify the elements of TQM that have the most significant impact on improving organizational performance. By understanding this relationship, this research is expected to provide recommendations for PT XYZ to enhance its competitiveness and operational effectiveness. The research method used is a survey by distributing questionnaires to PT XYZ employees. The data obtained was analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) method to test the correlation between variables. The study results show that implementing TQM positively and significantly affects organizational performance. Factors such as top management commitment, quality awareness, communication, and employee engagement have a dominant role in improving job satisfaction and the company's business results. The conclusion of this study confirms that TQM can be an effective strategy for increasing organizational competitiveness by improving customer satisfaction and service quality. The implications of this study highlight the importance of strengthening relationships with external providers to increase competitive advantage. In addition, the management of PT XYZ is advised to maintain a quality culture and management system that has been proven to positively impact the company's performance.

Project Management Green Commitment in PMI, Saudi Arabia: How Green Intellectual Capital, Green HRM, Green Training and Innovativeness Influence Project Performance

The study examined the influence of top management green commitment (TMGC) on green intellectual capital (GIC) and its subsequent impact on green human resource management (GHRM) and project performance. Additionally, the study explored the moderating effects of green innovativeness and green training on project management performance within the Saudi Project Management Institute (PMI). Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 478 project managers through structured survey questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrated a significant positive impact of top management's green commitment to green intellectual capital, which positively influenced green human resource management and project performance. Green innovativeness was identified as the most influential moderator, highlighting its critical role in enhancing project performance. However, the interaction between green innovativeness and green human resource management revealed a negative yet significant moderating effect, suggesting potential complexities in aligning innovation with HR strategies. The research emphasizes the essential role of green practices in improving project management performance, offering novel insights within the Saudi context. These findings address a gap in the existing literature and advocate for the wider adoption and refinement of green strategies in project management practices.

The Influence of Executive Commitment, Staff Engagement, and Training Programs on Employee Performance: Evidence from the Banking Sector in a Developing Economy

This research looks at how top management commitment, employee engagement, and training and development affect employee performance in a developing economy's banking industry. Data from workers at several banks were obtained using quantitative approaches to evaluate hypotheses. The findings show that top management commitment improves employee performance considerably by cultivating an organizational commitment and strategic alignment culture. Employee engagement in decision-making processes has a good relationship with work satisfaction and performance results. Furthermore, expenditures in training and development programmes were shown to provide workers with necessary skills, hence improving their overall performance metrics. While the research provides useful insights into human resource management techniques in the banking sector of the investigated developing country, it has limitations such as a cross-sectional design and a unique environment. Future study should look at longitudinal designs and larger industry comparisons to confirm results across other organizational contexts. These results emphasize the importance of leadership, employee engagement, and continuous development activities in improving employee performance and organizational success in developing market environments.

Project Management Green Commitment in PMI, Saudi Arabia: How Green Intellectual Capital, Green HRM, Green Training and Innovativeness Influence Project Performance

The study examined the influence of top management green commitment (TMGC) on green intellectual capital (GIC) and its subsequent impact on green human resource management (GHRM) and project performance. Additionally, the study explored the moderating effects of green innovativeness and green training on project management performance within the Saudi Project Management Institute (PMI). Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 478 project managers through structured survey questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships among the variables. The results demonstrated a significant positive impact of top management's green commitment to green intellectual capital, which positively influenced green human resource management and project performance. Green innovativeness was identified as the most influential moderator, highlighting its critical role in enhancing project performance. However, the interaction between green innovativeness and green human resource management revealed a negative yet significant moderating effect, suggesting potential complexities in aligning innovation with HR strategies. The research emphasizes the essential role of green practices in improving project management performance, offering novel insights within the Saudi context. These findings address a gap in the existing literature and advocate for the wider adoption and refinement of green strategies in project management practices.

Investigating the impact of soft TQM practices on employees’ organizational commitment in governmental Sudanese petroleum organizations

PurposeThis study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of soft total quality management (TQM) practices on employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations and to propose targeted strategies on how to enrich the soft TQM practices.Design/methodology/approachThe study used questionnaires to gather data from employees at Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations that adopt quality programs. A stratified random sampling procedure was followed and generated a sample size of 253. Data were analyzed via regression.FindingsThe study examined the relationship between employee’s organizational commitment and five soft TQM practices, namely training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork. These practices collectively explain most of the variance in the employees’ organizational commitment in Sudanese governmental petroleum organizations with R2 = 75%. All independent variables are positively and statistically significant at a 5% significance level. Training/education was inferred as the most influencing factor, and teamwork was the least important among the five practices.Practical implicationsThe positive relationship between soft TQM practices and organizational commitment suggests several actionable strategies for organizations. By fostering a culture that emphasizes continuous learning, empowerment and involvement, organizations can improve not only the quality of their products and services but also overall productivity. High levels of organizational commitment reduce turnover rates, which in turn lowers recruitment and training costs associated with replacing employees. Encouraging teamwork and employee involvement fosters a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive. Finally, policymakers could use these findings to advocate for the adoption of TQM practices in public sector organizations.Originality/valueThe findings from this study underscore the importance of soft TQM practices – specifically training and education, top management commitment, employee empowerment, involvement and teamwork – in enhancing employees’ organizational commitment. This focus on human-centric practices provides an important contribution to existing literature, particularly in contexts that are underrepresented in TQM research, such as developing countries and governmental organizations. It demonstrates how abstract TQM principles translate into practical outcomes like increased employee commitment, which is a crucial factor for organizational success.

Top management commitment, institutional pressures and green supply chain practices: pathways to sustainable performance

PurposeBy integrating upper echelon theory and institutional theory, this study investigates the influence of top management commitment to sustainability on sustainable performance. Additionally, the mediating role of green supply chain management practices and the moderating role of institutional pressure are examined.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 376 managers and employees in green hotels within the Thai hospitality industry using a time-lagged survey.FindingsThe findings reveal that top management commitment to sustainability positively influences sustainable performance and that green supply chain management practices mediate this relationship. Additionally, coercive and normative pressures moderated the relationship between top management commitment to sustainability and green supply chain management practices.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of green supply chain management practices for hospitality firms. It emphasizes that strong leadership commitment to sustainability, partnerships with suppliers and compliance with regulations are crucial for the successful implementation of green supply chain initiatives.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence about the mechanisms through which top management commitment to sustainability translates into improved sustainable performance. Furthermore, the study enhances our understanding of how external pressures, specifically coercive and normative pressures, influence the adoption of green supply chain practices, offering new insights into how contextual factors shape management actions regarding sustainability. This adds nuance to our understanding of the interplay between internal commitment and external pressures in driving sustainability outcomes in the hospitality industry.

Transformation of Human Resource Management to Increase Work Process Efficiency at Indonesian Quarantine Agency (A Study on The Implementation of Lean Management in Human Resource Management)

The field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in an organization aims to ensure that the organization achieves its established objectives by involving skilled and capable employees. One of the primary challenges faced is creating efficiency in work processes without compromising service quality. In the context of HRM, common issues include inadequate use of modern technology, complex procedures, resistance to change, and suboptimal interdepartmental collaboration. The transformation of HRM at the Indonesian Quarantine Agency through the application of lean management has become a strategic step to enhance work process efficiency and effectiveness. In this context, HRM plays a crucial role in achieving organizational goals by engaging skilled and capable employees. However, challenges such as bureaucratic procedures, resistance to change, and insufficient use of technology remain prevalent. This research employs the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) approach to identify problems and formulate solutions. The results show that lean management implementation can reduce waste, increase added value, and optimize workflows. Through AHP analysis, it was found that the commitment of top and middle management, along with active employee involvement, are key factors for the successful implementation of lean management. Additionally, proper training on the concepts and techniques of lean management is prioritized to ensure the success of this transformation. Consequently, this study provides strategic recommendations to enhance productivity and service quality at the Indonesian Quarantine Agency while contributing theoretically to the development of HRM in the public sector.

Facilitators and inhibitors of Lean Service 5.0: an assessment from the knowledge waste management perspective

Purpose This paper aims to identify the facilitators and inhibitors of Lean Service 5.0 from a knowledge management perspective. Design/methodology/approach First, it was conducted a systematic literature review based on the systematic search flow method of Ferenhof and Fernandes (2016), and finally, the authors conducted a content analysis based on Bardin (2011). Findings A total of five facilitators were found in the literature: digital transformation, structured communication flow, top management commitment, training and team commitment; and four inhibitors, among them: sociocultural problems, limited knowledge, negative impacts of top management commitment and lack of integration between technologies, that interfere at knowledge management. Based on the findings, a framework that correlates facilitators and inhibitors of Lean Service 5.0 by the knowledge management view was constructed. Research limitations/implications The systematic review conducted is not limited to one specific area of service sectors and/or research area. The content analysis can present limitations of content in the function of disponibility and detailment of information presented in the paper analyzed. Practical implications The findings in this research and the framework developed allow to provide support to people managers and decision-makers at organizations, in other to formulate strategies to encourage Knowledge Management in service organizations, as well as mitigate inhibitors to the adoption of Lean Service 5.0 in organizations. Furthermore, the findings of this study can provide support to develop procedures, techniques and metrics for the maturity of Lean Service 5.0 from a Knowledge Management perspective. Social implications The findings point that people management and culture development turned to continuous improvement by the dissemination of knowledge has been shown as a key element to the success of Lean Service 5.0. Thus, the development of people skills to explicit knowledge is a crucial factor in dealing with inhibitors of lean management in service organizations. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that identifies facilitators and inhibitors to adopting and managing Lean Service 5.0 from a knowledge management view; besides, presents a framework to guide service professionals in the implementation and maintenance of Lean Service 5.0.

Linking Top Management Commitment and Circular Practice Through Human Resource Perspective: Do Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Make a Difference in Sustainability?

ABSTRACTBased on the natural, social resource‐based view, stakeholder theory, and complementary principles of justice, this study aimed to reveal the influence mechanism between top management circular commitment (TMCC) and circular economy practices (CEPs) through the perspective of human resource management (HRM) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We have highlighted the role of the interplay between circular economy human resource management (CE‐HRM) and DEI culture for the implementation of CEPs. We collected questionnaire data through surveys in Sichuan and Chongqing, China, and analyzed the hypotheses and conceptual model using structural equation modeling. We found that: (1). TMCC can positively influence CEPs. (2). TMCC can indirectly influence CEPs through CE‐HRM, in which CE‐HRM acts as partial mediation. (3). Diversity and inclusion culture, including labor law protection groups and the rainbow (LGBTQ+) group, shows significant moderating effects between TMCC and CE‐HRM. Equity culture demonstrates significant moderating effects between CE‐HRM and CEPs. This study not only delved into CE‐HRM; it also incorporated DEI in CEPs for the first time. It provides new insights, supports complementary principles of justice for the interdependence between social and environmental sustainability, and breaks through the dearth of the Chinese context for DEI and LGBTQ+ research.

The Impact of Sustainable Sourcing on Halal Certification: A Literature Review on Ethical and Environmental Concerns

Objective: This research analyzes the relationship between halal certification, sustainability, and global ethics in building a resilient and transparent halal supply chain. The focus includes the role of blockchain technology and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration to improve traceability, consumer trust, and compliance with sharia and sustainability standards. Research Design & Methods: This research uses a systematic literature review to analyze studies related to halal certification, sustainability, and technology in the halal supply chain. Data were obtained from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Qualitative analysis was conducted to identify key patterns and practices in sustainable halal supply chain management. Findings: The results show that the integration of blockchain with ESG principles strengthens transparency and traceability at every stage of the halal supply chain, which is crucial in maintaining consumer confidence and compliance with halal standards. Top management commitment and dedicated halal infrastructure also play an important role in ensuring product quality and integrity. In addition, it was found that mandatory halal certification for MSMEs in Indonesia can strengthen the spiritual rights of Muslim consumers, although its impact on improving MSME performance has not been significant without the support of more effective management strategies. Implications & Recommendations: The findings of this study indicate the need for additional strategies, such as subsidizing halal certification, training, and policy support, to strengthen the performance and competitiveness of MSMEs in the international market. In addition, the halal industry is advised to widely adopt blockchain technology and ESG principles as solutions to enhance trust and social responsibility. Contribution & Value Added: This research contributes by offering a framework that integrates blockchain, ESG, and halal certification to build a sustainable halal supply chain. The added value is that it provides insights into the importance of sustainability integration and transparency in the halal industry, strengthens the position of MSMEs in the global market, and supports sustainable development goals.

Strengthening Retail Confectionery Supply Chain Management: The Interaction of Channel Capability and Real-Time Information Sharing

This study investigated the relationship between channel capability, real-time information sharing, and performance of retail confectionary supply chain firms. The study was anchored on contingency and social exchange theories. Using the cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected through the structured questionnaire from 260 randomly sampled sales marketing and distribution representatives in major confectionery supply management companies in Nigeria. Data collected addresses issues including channel partnership, channel member capability, real-time information sharing, channel conflict management, market coverage, and on time delivery. Regression analysis was conducted on the model to estimate the relationship among variables. From the results, except channel capability, which yielded moderate estimation result, real-time information sharing and channel conflict management, and partnership correlated positively with confectionary supply chain performance. The study recommends increased top management commitment to channel relationship management in order to strengthen supply chain performance and ensure increased market coverage, and timely product delivery.

Managers’ environmental commitment towards the adoption of environmental strategies: Exporting Ecuadorian SMEs

Introduction: Over the past few decades, sustainability and natural environmental degradation have grown in importance around the world. However, studies on internationalization and corporate environmental responsibility have frequently concentrated on larger businesses in industrialized nations. Methodology: This study examines the owners' engagement and environmental attitude in Ecuadorian exporting SMEs using four case studies. Results: The results indicate that the firm's green commitment and the owners' environmental attitude and involvement may be influenced by their prior knowledge, environmental goals. Additionally, human and financial resources are crucial to the company's adoption of eco-friendly practices. Discussion: In exporting Ecuadorian companies, a conceptual framework was created that describes the connection between the owners' past knowledge, their attitude toward the environment, and the company's green commitment. Conclusions: the article expands the literature in dynamic capabilities, top management commitment and environmental responsibility.

Highly Reliable Organisations and Sustainability Risk Management: Safety Cultures in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Supply Chain Sector

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the environmental consequences of pursuing profits in the oil and gas industry, focusing on Nigeria. It examines the role of top management commitment, safety culture and stakeholder risk prioritisation in the industry. By surveying 441 stakeholders, this study highlights the importance of extensive stakeholder engagement and a systemic supply chain approach in building resilience and shaping sustainable practices. The findings reveal that stakeholder risk perception influences sustainability risk management; however, variations in risk prioritisation between internal and external stakeholders remain a challenge. The study advocates for a paradigm shift and emphasises the crucial role of high‐reliability management in guiding organisations towards effective risk mitigation strategies for the industry's immediate health, communities, environment and future.

Barriers to Implementing Lean Six Sigma in the Chemical Process Industry: The Case of Brazil

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is recognized as a powerful process improvement methodology for enhancing operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. This study examined the barriers hindering LSS implementation in the chemical process industry within an emerging economy, Brazil. It developed a structured methodology for designing mitigation measures to overcome those barriers. First, 26 barriers from the literature were ranked by LSS experts through a Delphi survey to select the top 15. Then, a combined interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis approach was used, supported by a focus group, to determine the hierarchical relationships among the barriers and their driving power and dependence. Finally, a second focus group defined adequate mitigation measures. The top four main barriers are the lack of time, insufficient systemic understanding of lean principles, misalignment between LSS and corporate strategies, and inadequate top management commitment. Additionally, 10 mitigation measures are proposed. This study contributes to LSS implementation in the chemical process industry in Brazil, thus enhancing industry sustainability by improving operational efficiency, curbing waste, reducing transportation-related emissions through a decreasing reliance on imported chemical products, and contributing to economic growth and job creation within the industry.