Identifying the equifinal configurations of prompting green supply chain integration and subsequent performance outcome

Abstract

Although green supply chain integration (GSCI) is essential for enterprises to address environmental challenges, existing literature mainly focuses on the net effect of a single factor that cannot well explain and guide the implementation of GSCI. Based on technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, we develop a configurational framework and propose that GSCI depends on the interactions between perceived institutional force, green human resource management (GHRM), and big data analytics capability (BDAC). Moreover, we further investigate the impacts of high GSCI generated by different configurations on operational and environmental performance. By integrating fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and propensity score matching, we reveal multiple equifinal configurations sufficient to three dimensions of GSCI and identify them into three types: GHRM oriented, GHRM + BDAC oriented, and perceived institutional force + GHRM + BDAC balance. The results further indicate that high GSCI triggered by multiple configurations has different effects on operational and environmental performance. These findings extend the GSCI research and provide theoretical guidance for managers to develop GSCI.

Environmental strategy, green supply chain integration and sustainable performance: examining the synergistic effects

“…Second, all highperformance configurations necessitated at least two dimensions of GSCI as core conditions. Therefore, in line with prior studies, we recognized the significance of implementing GSCI for achieving sustainable performance (Feng and Sheng, 2023;Kong et al, 2021;. Moreover, perceived institutional force emerged as a core condition in all configurations that facilitated high sustainable performance.…”

“…, 2023). Furthermore, studies have suggested that institutional forces shape firms' capacity to acquire resources and their level of integration within the supply chain, thereby impacting the effectiveness of GSCI on firm performance (Feng and Sheng, 2023; Yang et al. , 2020).…”

“…For instance, several studies indicate that the collective impact of institutional forces from various stakeholders significantly influences the development and implementation of environmental strategy within firms, consequently impacting both financial and environmental performance outcomes (Dai et al, 2018;. Furthermore, studies have suggested that institutional forces shape firms' capacity to acquire resources and their level of integration within the supply chain, thereby impacting the effectiveness of GSCI on firm performance (Feng and Sheng, 2023;Yang et al, 2020).…”

“…One approach to address these challenges involves establishing an effective environmental strategy or implementing green supply chain integration (GSCI) (Appannan et al. , 2023; Feng and Sheng, 2023). However, according to the 2022 corporate information transparency index for green supply chains, only a few firms that adopt a single practice are able to achieve improvements in sustainable performance (Xi et al.…”

Impact of digital capability on firm resilience: the moderating role of coopetition behavior

“…Before formulating the formal questionnaire, we studied the related literature extensively and established an initial English questionnaire based on mature scales. Then, the translation and back-translation methods were used to avoid ambiguity (Feng and Sheng, 2023). Later, a preliminary test was conducted and the initial questionnaire was revised repeatedly according to the test situation to increase the readability.…”