Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute significantly to the empirical investigations related to the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices on performance in Chinese firms. The paper also aims to theorize and empirically assess a comprehensive SSCM practices and performance model. The model incorporates two aspects of SSCM practices: internal and external management, and analyses the impact on corporate sustainability performance from all dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops a conceptual model to investigate the impact of SSCM practices on the firm performance. Based on the data of 172 Chinese firms, this paper analyzes the impact of SSCM practices on firm economic performance, environmental performance, and social performance for each dimension by using PLS structural equation methods.
Findings
The results show that firm’s internal SSCM practices have a positive impact on firm’s environmental performance and social performance. Moreover, environmental performance and social performance are positively related to economic performance.
Originality/value
A comprehensive SSCM practices performance model is proposed and empirically assessed for Chinese firms. The results of this investigation support the hypotheses that SSCM practices are environmentally and socially necessary and are favorable for business. A series of approach and implications of SSCM practices is recommended.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the National Social Science Fund (16CGL033), Fundamental Research Funds of Beijing University of Technology, Open Project Program of The Capital Circulation Industry Research Center (JD-KFKT-2016-06) and Support Project of High-level Teachers in Beijing Municipal Universities in the Period of 13th Five-year Plan (CIT&TCD201704033).
Citation
Wang, J. and Dai, J. (2018), "Sustainable supply chain management practices and performance", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 118 No. 1, pp. 2-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-12-2016-0540
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited