Strategic orientations, sustainable supply chain initiatives, and reverse logistics

Abstract

Purpose – Global outsourcing shifts manufacturing jobs to emerging countries, which provides new opportunities for improving their economic development. The authors develop and test a theoretical model to predict first, how sustainable supply chain initiatives might influence reverse logistics outcomes and second, the impact of eco-reputation and eco-innovation orientation strategies on the deployment of sustainable supply chain initiatives. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed new model of antecedents and outcomes of sustainable supply chain initiatives underwent a rigorous empirical test through structural equation modeling with samples from an emerging market. Findings – The results show that firms that implement sustainable supply chain initiatives can realize positive reverse logistics outcomes; the study also provides new insights into eco-innovation and eco-reputation strategic orientations as theoretically important antecedents of sustainable supply chain initiatives. Research limitations/implications – Though the authors identify three components of sustainable supply chain initiatives, other components could exist, and ongoing research should investigate them. Practical implications – The findings have important implications for managers in emerging markets seeking to initiate ecologically friendly business practices. The authors offer strong evidence of the benefits obtained from reverse logistics in sustainable supply chain initiatives. Policy makers and firms attempting to nurture sustainable supply chain initiatives should not overlook the important role of eco-reputation and eco-innovation strategic orientations, which the results identify as important enablers. Originality/value – This study offers evidence of the critical role of eco-reputation and eco-innovation strategic orientations in deploying sustainable supply chain initiative programs, as well as of their mutual effects. This study also offers empirical evidence that implementing sustainable supply chain initiatives leads to reverse logistics, creating value, and a new source of competitive advantages.

Environmental pressures and performance: An analysis of the roles of environmental innovation strategy and marketing capability

“…Second, although our sample size and response rate is similar to previous studies that surveyed management executives (e.g. Chiou et al, 2011;Green et al, 2012;Hsu et al, 2016;Tachizawa et al, 2015), such size may limit the generalizability of the research findings. Future research should collect data from other countries with larger sample size to confirm the results obtained in our study.…”

A review on green supply chain aspects and practices

“…size, shape, materials) have different impacts. (Hsu et al, 2016) indicated that green packaging includes considerations of cost (materials and shipping), performance (adequate protection of the product), convenience (easy to use), compliance (with legal requirements), and environmental impact Liu et al, 2013). González-Benito and González-Benito (2006) and Murphy and Poist (2000) stressed that among the green initiatives, green logistics received the least importance.…”

Sustainable coffee supply chain management: a case study in Buon Me Thuot City, Daklak, Vietnam

“…The critical issues of reverse logistics are investigated through content analysis in the research of (Pokharel and Mutha 2009). Evidences of the benefits gained from reverse logistics in sustainable supply chain are presented comprehensively in (Alblas et al 2014;Hsu et al 2016). This measure the efficiency of economic sustainability.…”