A natural resource and institutional theory‐based view of green‐lean‐six sigma drivers for environmental management

Abstract

Green-lean-six sigma (GLSS) is an evolving strategy that can be applied in the manufacturing context to address pressing environmental issues. However, due to a lack of research in this area, investigating the motivations behind GLSS implementation is crucial to develop a deeper understanding of factors that shape the overall environmental management strategy of a firm. Drawing on the natural-resource-based view and institutional theory, we explore the GLSS drivers and compare developed and developing country contexts by conducting in-depth interviews with senior consultants specializing in GLSS implementation from New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PK). Findings reveal that the key drivers of GLSS adoption in NZ are general environmental awareness, creating a company image, and government pressure, whereas the main drivers for PK include cost reduction, international customers' influence, and competitiveness. These findings throw light on the reasons for GLSS adoption in different regions and have significant theoretical and practical implications towards improving environmental performance.

Managerial perspectives on green-lean-six sigma adoption in the flexible packaging industry: empirical evidence from an emerging economy

“…Although both companies have implemented an EMS (ISO 14001), the findings revealed that Delta-flex is more concerned with environmental certifications such as ISO 50001 and the WWF green office diploma. These findings can be attributed to either increasing environmental awareness of manufacturing organizations in emerging economies to minimize emissions generated from their production operations (Massoud et al, 2011) or their international customers' requirements (Farrukh et al, 2021b).…”

“…These findings can be attributed to either increasing environmental awareness of manufacturing organizations in emerging economies to minimize emissions generated from their production operations (Massoud et al. , 2011) or their international customers' requirements (Farrukh et al. , 2021b).…”

“…Lubin and Esty (2010) further argued that sustainability is an emerging megatrend and companies can no longer afford to ignore serious environmental issues including climate change, industrial pollution, hazardous waste, and natural resource depletion. Accordingly, these environmental sustainability challenges are adequate grounds for manufacturers to adopt environmental approaches such as GLSS even if the customer demand or market pressures are lacking (Garza-Reyes et al, 2018;Farrukh et al, 2021b). Following this, prior studies emphasized a mix of green, lean, and six sigma practices in a GLSS approach to address the environmental sustainability issues of manufacturing organizations (Cherrafi et al, 2017;Kaswan and Rathi, 2020).…”

“…Accordingly, these environmental sustainability challenges are adequate grounds for manufacturers to adopt environmental approaches such as GLSS even if the customer demand or market pressures are lacking (Garza-Reyes et al. , 2018; Farrukh et al. , 2021b).…”

Editorial: Innovation and business strategy for sustainability

“…Proactive firms are increasingly focusing on developing sustainable products and services as well as making their business operations more environmentally and socially friendly to cater to the growing needs of a wide range of stakeholders. Increasingly, firms are adopting Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing technologies as well as cutting-edge information and communication technologiescloud computing and cognitive computing, radio-frequency identification (RFID), green lean six sigma (GLSS) approach, cyber-physical systems (CSP), digital sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, 3D printing, machine learning, Internet of things (IoT), robotics and big data and analyticsto achieve sustainable outcomes (Allam & Dhunny, 2019;Alves, Galina, & Dobelin, 2018Dantas et al, 2020Farrukh, Mathrani, & Sajjad, 2021;Malik & Raziq, 2022;Sarkis, Cohen, Dewick, & Schr€ oder, 2020;Saunila, Nasiri, Ukko, & Rantala, 2019;Tjoa & Tjoa, 2016;Wu, Guo, Huang, Liu, & Xiang, 2018).…”