Green supply chain management enablers: Mixed methods research

Abstract

This paper contributes to the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM) by arguing for the use of mixed methods for theory building. The literature has identified antecedents and enablers for the adoption of GSCM practices. Nevertheless, there is relatively little research on building robust methodological approaches and techniques that take into account the dynamic nature of green supply chains. To address this gap, the paper firstly reviews systematically the literature on GSCM enablers; secondly, it argues for the use of mixed methods research to address questions related to GSCM enablers; thirdly, it uses interpretive structural modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to illustrate the application of mixed methods in GSCM by testing a model on the enablers of GSCM; and fourthly, highlights the influence of enablers including, inter alia, top management commitment, institutional pressures, supplier and customer relationship management on financial and environmental performance. Finally, we conclude with limitations and further research directions.