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This paper explores whether Moroccan family small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more or less likely to be socially responsible than nonfamily firms of comparable size. Basing on 20 qualitative case studies, we collected qualitative data during semi-structured interviews with SME managers in charge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues. We then performed a content analysis. Our study provides consistent support for the stewardship perspective and shows that family SMEs are more likely to be socially responsible than nonfamily SMEs. We therefore posit that familySMEs hold distinctive perspectives on socially responsible business behavior as a result of their involvement in both their business and their community. and national community. Every year our actions receive support from local government and local communities. We are very satisfied.' and E6 develops this idea: 'We're a family business steeped in the region. We work in collaboration with a network of suppliers, retailers and distributors and we're on the alert and listen to our stakeholders.'The CSR practices of family SMEs also appear to be significantly linked with the CEO's commitment, values and culture. Thus, in several of these SMEs, the owner-manager or the senior partner was directly responsible for Table 2. Results of the content analysis: family versus nonfamily businesses Note: This table presents the results of our discourse content analysis. First figure refers to the mean score of interviews where the theme was mentioned. The second figure (in parentheses) refers to the number of interviews where the theme was mentioned. We shaded the themes identified as showing significant frequency difference of these occurrences, which were quoted significantly more frequently than were the other themes within the table (t-tests).

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made by TPLs to implement green practices through a case study of Moroccan TPLs. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study of Moroccan TPLs was conducted using an interview guide. Findings The findings indicate that the internal and external drivers motivate TPLs to implement green practices while internal and external obstacles hinder them. The authors identified two groups of TPLs, each with a specific environmental sustainability approach. The results indicate also that environmental sustainability is at an early stage of development in Moroccan TPLs. Based on these findings, the authors were able to develop several propositions for further research. It is suggested that TPLs market coverage can influence positively their green initiative; the lack of collaboration and partners involvement hinders TPLs environmental initiatives; and the lack of clear environmental strategy limits TPLs environmental sustainability initiatives. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalization of its findings. The possibility of generalizing the present findings to countries beyond Morocco is limited by the fact that data were collected exclusively there. Studies might therefore do well to investigate TPLs in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Also, the research could be expanded by taking into account how shippers or client companies collaborate with TPLs to improve sustainability initiatives. Practical implications The results can be used to inform companies about environmental sustainability initiatives that have been implemented or to identify practices that can be adopted. Originality/value The relevant literature has centered on advanced countries, and few studies have been conducted in the logistics market. Research on the sustainable initiatives of TPLs in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the sustainable practices of TPLs in Morocco.

Supply chain viability (SCV) is an emerging concept of growing importance in operations management. This paper aims to conceptualize, develop, and validate a measurement scale for SCV. SCV is first defined and operationalized as a construct, followed by content validation and item measure development. Data have been collected through three independent samplings comprising a total of 558 respondents. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are used in a step-wise manner for scale development. Reliability and validity are evaluated. A nomological model is theorized and tested to evaluate nomological validity. For the first time, our study frames SCV as a novel and distinct construct. The findings show that SCV is a hierarchical and multidimensional construct, reflected in organizational structures, organizational resources, dynamic design capabilities, and operational aspects. The findings reveal that a central characteristic of SCV is the dynamic reconfiguration of SC structures in an adaptive manner to ensure survival in the long-term perspective. This research conceptualizes and provides specific, validated dimensions and item measures for SCV. Practitioner directed guidance and suggestions are offered for improving SCV during the COVID-19 pandemic and future severe disruptions.