The relationship between sustainable supply chain management and enterprise economic performance: does firm size matter?

Abstract

Purpose Based on the extended resource-based view (ERBV), this paper aims to investigate the relationship between sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), dynamic capabilities (DCs) and enterprise economic performance (EEP). Both the direct effects of SSCM on economic performance and the mediation effect of DCs are investigated. This empirical study also examines the moderating role of firm size. Design/methodology/approach This study applies hierarchical regression analyses to test our hypotheses, and then the mediation test was performed using the macro PROCESS. Data were collected from 178 Chinese manufacturing firms. Findings The findings show that SSCM practices significantly and positively influence both economic performance and DCs. The results indicate that DCs partially mediate the relationship between SSCM practices and EEP. Moreover, firm size has a moderating effect on external SSCM practices that influence EEP, but the moderating effect was not found to be significant for the effects of internal SSCM practices on economic performance and SSCM practices on DCs. Practical implications This study reveals insights into the potential benefits for large enterprises and SMEs related to the utilization of SSCM practices in China and puts forward differentiated suggestions for SSCM practices in large enterprises and SMEs. Originality/value Drawing on the ERBV, this study provides a deeper perspective on the relationship between SSCM and EEP by regarding DCs as a mediating variable and firm size as a moderating variable.