Triggering sustainable firm performance, supply chain competitive advantage, and green innovation through lean, green, and agile supply chain practices

Due to extensive industrial activities, many environmental challenges have devastated human beings and environmental integrity. Therefore, sustainable supply chain (SC) practices (lean, green, and agile - LGA) gained momentum in the manufacturing industry. Considering the importance of LGA-SC, this study investigates the impact of LGA-SC practices on green innovation (GI), supply chain competitive advantage (SCPA), supply chain responsiveness (SCR), and sustainable firm performance (SFP). Data were collected from employees of the manufacturing industry in China. The proposed conceptual framework was verified by using structural equation modeling. The empirical results indicate that LGA-SC practices are statistically associated with GI, SCR, SCPA, and SFP. Moreover, this research finds that GI and SCR play mediating roles between LGA-SC practices and SCPA. GC positively moderates the relationship between LGA-SC practices and GI, and IP also acts as a strong moderator between GI and SCPA. To the authors' best knowledge, this study is the pioneer to provide insights about a novel framework combing LGA-SC practices, SCPA, and SFP with mediating role of GI and moderating role of GI and IP. This study supports managers of the Chinese manufacturing sector to further extend strong roots for LGA-SC adoption.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of LGA-SC practices on GI, SCR, SCPA, and SFP, finding statistically significant associations between them. It also discovered that GI and SCR mediate the relationship between LGA-SC practices and SCPA, with GC and IP acting as positive moderators in this relationship.