Implementation of Collaborative Activities for Sustainable Supply Chain Innovation: An Analysis of the Firm Size Effect

Abstract

This study examines the effects of collaborative and implementation activities on environmental performance for sustainable supply chain management. Specifically, the proposed research investigates the moderating effect of firm size on the effect relationships. The structural equation modeling with AMOS 23.0 was employed to test hypotheses. The results confirm the positive effects of collaborative activities on environmental performance and the positive relationship between collaborative activities and green certification programs in both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large-sized firms. Contrary to general belief, firm size did not moderate the relationship between autonomous collaborative activities and green activities. However, other relationships were supported in the research model, thus firm size partially moderates the relationships of collaborative activities with implementation activities and environmental performance. The study demonstrates that implementation activities play a key role in improving collaborative activities with suppliers and vendors for sustainable supply chain innovation. Additionally, it contributes to the practice of sustainable supply chain innovation as well as to efficiency through collaborative activities in the supply chain process.