Sustainable supply chain performance, its practice and impact on barriers to collaboration

Abstract

Purpose Sustainable supply chain (SSC) provides one opportunity to achieve competitive advantage. To achieve SSC through triple bottom line (TBL) – economic, environment and social – is extensively discussed. Most literature in dealing with environmental issues undermine social dimension even though its potential to bring outstanding results by earning customers loyalty and commitment is immense. Local orientation and different context motivate firms to prioritize sustainability dimensions differently. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize SSC performance as three dimensional second-order formative construct which is caused by three first-order reflective constructs. Further, the authors examined effect of sustainable performance on barriers to sustainability through collaboration. Design/methodology/approach The model is validated by data collected from industries in India using both partial least squares and covariance based structural equation modeling. The authors find the model is valid for both manufacturing and service sectors. Findings In Indian context, social dimension is most and environmental dimension is least important differentiating it from developed economy. The authors find sustainable performance subsequently mitigates barriers and risks to sustainability, thereby reducing its impact over time. Originality/value This study conceptualizes SSC performance as three dimensional second-order formative construct which is caused by three first-order reflective constructs. Given criticisms to TBL for being western-centric, this study unearths insightful phenomena having implications for both developing and developed world. Further, the authors find sustainable performance reduces effects of barriers to collaboration necessary to achieve SSC. This study contributes to both theory and practice by modeling sustainability performance.

Norms, consumer social responsibility and fair trade product purchase intention

“…To test the hypotheses, the conceptual model depicted in Figure 1 was tested using the following fit indices: chi-squared test, normed fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), incremental fit index (IFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). For a suitable fit, the ratio of chi-square values to freedom degrees should be less than 3.0 (Anuj et al, 2018), and the NFI, CFI, IFI and GFI values should be greater than 0.9 (Kumar and Goswami, 2019), and the RMSEA should be less than 0.05 (Zaheer and Trkman, 2017). The ratio of chi-square 5 287.21 to df 5 146 was 1.97.…”

Collaboration between supply chain partners: when does it matter? Evidence from collaborative profiles

“…SCC seems more sensitive to relational bonding and preparedness together, future research on relational bonding and preparedness should confirm the same. This study does not consider sustainability elements from environmental and social dimensions (Ferro et al, 2019;Kumar and Goswami, 2019). Future research can extend the proposed SCC framework by including the sustainability elements.…”

Does Buyer Power Contribute to Environmental Sustainability Performance in Supply Chains?

“…The study also found that collaboration is positively related to environmental performance. Collaboration is considered a key mechanism through with sustainability is achieved (Blome et al, 2014;Kumar & Mohit, 2019;Pakdeechoho & Vatcharapol, 2018). Several studies have found a positive impact of collaboration with suppliers on environmental sustainability (e.g.…”