Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Supply Chain Integration and Sustainability: The Supply Chain Learning Perspective

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Supply Chain Integration for Sustainable Advantages

Abstract

Sustainability management practices (SMPs) have attracted increasing attentions from supply chain researchers in recent years, whereas research on how firms collaborate with supply chain partners to implement SMPs successfully is still lacking. Drawing on the supply chain learning (SCL) perspective, we propose that supply chain integration (SCI) contributes to the successful implementation of SMPs. A structural equation modeling analysis is employed to test the proposed hypotheses using data collected from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS) project database. The findings suggest that supplier and customer integration are vital enablers for both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs. Moreover, both intra- and inter-organizational SMPs are verified to be significantly and positively associated with sustainability performance (i.e., economic, environmental and social performance) and function as complements to jointly enhance environmental and social performance simultaneously. This study employs the SCL perspective to incorporate SCI into the sustainability literature, providing a new perspective on sustainability and supply chain management research.

This chapter is a revised version of the following journal paper: Kang, M., Yang, M. G. M., Park, Y., & Huo, B. (2018). Supply chain integration and its impact on sustainability. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 118(9), 1749–1765.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Antonio, K. W. L., Richard, C. M. Y., & Tang, E. (2009). The complementarity of internal integration and product modularity: An empirical study of their interaction effect on competitive capabilities. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 26(4), 305–326.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argote, L., & Miron-Spektor, E. (2011). Organizational learning: From experience to knowledge. Organization Science, 22(5), 1123–1137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bai, C., & Sarkis, J. (2010). Integrating sustainability into supplier selection with grey system and rough set methodologies. International Journal of Production Economics, 124(1), 252–264.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beske, P., & Seuring, S. (2014). Putting sustainability into supply chain management. Supply Chain Management, 19(3), 322–331.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bessant, J., Kaplinsky, R., & Lamming, R. (2003). Putting supply chain learning into practice. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 23(2), 167–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowen, F. E., Cousins, P. D., Lamming, R. C., & Farukt, A. C. (2001). The role of supply management capabilities in green supply. Production & Operations Management, 10(2), 174–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, C. R., & Jennings, M. M. (2002). Logistics social responsibility: An integrative framework. Journal of Business Logistics, 23(1), 145–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, C. R., & Rogers, D. S. (2008). A framework of sustainable supply chain management: Moving toward new theory. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 38(5), 360–387.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coghlan, D., & Coughlan, P. (2015). Effecting change and learning in networks through network action learning. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 51(3), 375–400.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, A., Pagell, M., Behm, M., & Veltri, A. (2008). Toward a theory of the linkages between safety and quality. Journal of Operations Management, 26(4), 521–535.

    Google Scholar 

  • Day, G. S. (1994). The capabilities of market-driven organizations. Journal of Marketing, 58(4), 37–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (2000). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. Advances in Strategic Management, 48(2), 147–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elkington, J. (2010). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. Environmental Quality Management, 8(1), 37–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint, D. J., Larsson, E., & Gammelgaard, B. (2008). Exploring processes for customer value insights, supply chain learning and innovation: An international study. Journal of Business Logistics, 29(1), 257–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flynn, B. B., Huo, B., & Zhao, X. (2010). The impact of supply chain integration on performance: A contingency and configuration approach. Journal of Operations Management, 28(1), 58–71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flynn, B. B., Schroeder, R. G., & Sakakibara, S. (1995). The impact of quality management practices on performance and competitive advantage. Decision Sciences, 26(5), 659–691.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error: Algebra and statistics. Journal of Marketing Research, 18(1), 382–388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gelhard, C., & von Delft, S. (2016). The role of organizational capabilities in achieving superior sustainability performance. Journal of Business Research, 69(10), 4632–4642.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gimenez, C., Sierra, V., & Rodon, J. (2012). Sustainable operations: Their impact on the triple bottom line. International Journal of Production Economics, 140(1), 149–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gimenez, C., & Tachizawa, E. M. (2012). Extending sustainability to suppliers: A systematic literature review. Supply Chain Management, 17(5), 531–543.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golini, R., Longoni, A., & Cagliano, R. (2014). Developing sustainability in global manufacturing networks: The role of site competence on sustainability performance. International Journal of Production Economics, 147(Part B), 448–459.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Y., Jia, F., & Brown, S. (2018). Modernisation of dairy farms: The case of Nestlé’s Dairy Farming Institute in China. Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, 8(1), 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Y., Jia, F., Brown, S., & Koh, L. (2018). Supply chain learning of sustainability in multi-tier supply chains: A resource orchestration perspective. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(4), 1061–1090.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graham, S. (2018). Antecedents to environmental supply chain strategies: The role of internal integration and environmental learning. International Journal of Production Economics, 197(3), 283–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, R. M. (1996). Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17, 109–122.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gualandris, J., & Kalchschmidt, M. (2014). Customer pressure and innovativeness: Their role in sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 20(2), 92–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammouri, H., Kabore, P., & Kinnaert, M. (2009). Adopting and applying eco-design techniques: A practitioners perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 17(5), 549–558.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, S. L., & Dowell, G. (2011). A natural-resource-based view of the firm: Fifteen years after. Journal of Management, 37(5), 1464–1479.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 6(1), 1–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huo, B., Haq, M. Z. U., & Gu, M. (2020). The impact of IT application on supply chain learning and service performance. Industrial Management and Data Systems, 120(1), 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huq, F. A., Chowdhury, I. N., & Klassen, R. D. (2016). Social management capabilities of multinational buying firms and their emerging market suppliers: An exploratory study of the clothing industry. Journal of Operations Management, 46, 19–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ketchen, D. J., & Hult, G. T. M. (2007). Toward greater integration of insights from organization theory and supply chain management. Journal of Operations Management, 25(2), 455–458.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khan, H., & Wisner, J. D. (2019). Supply chain integration, learning, and agility: Effects on performance. Journal of Operations and Supply Chain Management, 12(1), 14–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klassen, R. D., & Vachon, S. (2003). Collaboration and evaluation in the supply chain: The impact on plant-level environmental investment. Production & Operations Management, 12(3), 336–352.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kleindorfer, P. R., Singhal, K., & Van Wassenhove, L. N. (2005). Sustainable operations management. Production and Operations Management, 14(4), 482–492.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogut, B., & Zander, U. (1992). Knowledge of the firm, combinative capabilities, and the replication of technology. Organization Science, 3(3), 383–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koplin, J., Seuring, S., & Mesterharm, M. (2007). Incorporating sustainability into supply management in the automotive industry—The case of the Volkswagen AG. Journal of Cleaner Production, 15(11–12), 1053–1062.

    Google Scholar 

  • Large, R. O., Kramer, N., & Hartmann, R. K. (2013). Procurement of logistics services and sustainable development in Europe: Fields of activity and empirical results. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 19(3), 122–133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, S., Rao, S. S., Ragu-Nathan, T. S., & Ragu-Nathan, B. (2005). Development and validation of a measurement instrument for studying supply chain management practices. Journal of Operations Management, 23(6), 618–641.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, H., Ke, W., Wei, K. K., Gu, J., & Chen, H. (2010). The role of institutional pressures and organizational culture in the firm’s intention to adopt internet-enabled supply chain management systems. Journal of Operations Management, 28(5), 372–384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lubin, D. A., & Esty, D. C. (2010). The sustainability imperative. Harvard Business Review, 88(5), 42–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, M. T., & Noordewier, T. G. (2016). Environmental management practices and firm financial performance: The moderating effect of industry pollution-related factors. International Journal of Production Economics, 175, 24–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manuj, I., Omar, A., & Yazdanparast, A. (2013). The quest for competitive advantage in global supply chains: The role of interorganizational learning. Transportation Journal, 52(4), 463–492.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marsh, H. W., & Dennis, H. (1985). Application of confirmatory factor analysis to the study of self-concept: First- and higher order factor models and their invariance across groups. Psychological Bulletin, 97(3), 562–582.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narasimhan, R., & Das, A. (2001). The impact of purchasing integration and practices on manufacturing performance. Journal of Operations Management, 19(5), 593–609.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oelze, N., Hoejmose, S. U., Habisch, A., & Millington, A. (2016). Sustainable development in supply chain management: The role of organizational learning for policy implementation. Business Strategy and the Environment, 25(4), 241–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okun, A. H., Guerin, R. J., & Schulte, P. A. (2016). Foundational workplace safety and health competencies for the emerging workforce. Journal of Safety Research, 59, 43–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pagell, M., & Gobeli, D. (2009). How plant managers’ experiences and attitudes toward sustainability relate to operational performance. Production and Operations Management, 18(3), 278–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paulraj, A. (2011). Understanding the relationships between internal resources and capabilities, sustainable supply management and organizational sustainability. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 47(1), 19–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perols, J., Zimmermann, C., & Kortmann, S. (2013). On the relationship between supplier integration and time-to-market. Journal of Operations Management, 31(3), 153–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prajogo, D., & Olhager, J. (2012). Supply chain integration and performance: The effects of long-term relationships, information technology and sharing, and logistics integration. International Journal of Production Economics, 135(1), 514–522.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pullman, M. E., Maloni, M. J., & Carter, C. R. (2009). Food for thought: Social versus environmental sustainability practices and performance outcomes. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 45(4), 38–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quesada, G., Rachamadugu, R., Gonzalez, M., & Martinez, J. L. (2008). Linking order winning and external supply chain integration strategies. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 13(4), 296–303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothenberg, S., Pil, F. K., & Maxwell, J. (2001). Lean, green, and the quest for superior environmental performance. Production & Operations Management, 10(3), 228–243.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sancha, C., Longoni, A., & Giménez, C. (2015). Sustainable supplier development practices: Drivers and enablers in a global context. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 21(2), 95–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarkis, J., Gonzalez-Torre, P., & Adenso-Diaz, B. (2010). Stakeholder pressure and the adoption of environmental practices: The mediating effect of training. Journal of Operations Management, 28(2), 163–176.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumacker, R. E., & Lomax, R. G. (2004). A beginner’s guide to structural equation modeling. Technometrics, 47(4), 522–522.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seuring, S., & Müller, M. (2008). From a literature review to a conceptual framework for sustainable supply chain management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(15), 1699–1710.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shou, Y., Kang, M., & Park, Y. (2022). Supply chain integration for sustainable advantages. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smit, A. A. H., Driessen, P. P. J., & Glasbergen, P. (2008). Constraints on the conversion to sustainable production: The case of the Dutch potato chain. Business Strategy and the Environment, 17(6), 369–381.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spekman, R. E., Spear, J., & Kamauff, J. (2002). Supply chain competency: Learning as a key component. Supply Chain Management, 7(1), 41–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spender, J. C. (1996). Making knowledge the basis of a dynamic theory of the firm. Strategic Management Journal, 17(S2), 45–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, H., & Ni, W. (2012). The impact of upstream supply and downstream demand integration on quality management and quality performance. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 29(8), 872–890.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tate, W. L., Ellram, L. M., & Kirchoff, J. F. (2010). Corporate social responsibility reports: A thematic analysis related to supply chain management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 46(1), 19–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Theodorakopoulos, N., Ram, M., Shah, M., & Boyal, H. (2005). Experimenting with supply chain learning (SCL): Supplier diversity and ethnic minority businesses. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 1(4), 461–478.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. D. (2006). Extending green practices across the supply chain. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 26(7), 795–821.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Wijk, R., Jansen, J. J. P., & Lyles, M. A. (2008). Inter- and intra-organizational knowledge transfer: A meta-analytic review and assessment of its antecedents and consequences. Journal of Management Studies, 45(4), 830–853.

    Google Scholar 

  • Voorde, K. V. D., Paauwe, J., & Veldhoven, M. V. (2012). Employee well-being and the HRM–organizational performance relationship: A review of quantitative studies. International Journal of Management Reviews, 14(4), 391–407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J., & Dai, J. (2018). Sustainable supply chain management practices and performance. Industrial Management and Data Systems, 118(1), 2–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiengarten, F., Pagell, M., Ahmed, M. U., & Gimenez, C. (2014). Do a country’s logistical capabilities moderate the external integration performance relationship? Journal of Operations Management, 32(1–2), 51–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilding, R., Wagner, B., Gimenez, C., & Tachizawa, E. M. (2012). Extending sustainability to suppliers: A systematic literature review. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 17(5), 531–543.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis, G., Genchev, S. E., & Chen, H. (2016). Supply chain learning, integration, and flexibility performance: An empirical study in India. International Journal of Logistics Management, 27(3), 755–769.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winter, M., & Knemeyer, A. M. (2013). Exploring the integration of sustainability and supply chain management: Current state and opportunities for future inquiry. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 43(1), 18–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, J. (2013). Improving the sustainable development of firms: The role of employees. Business Strategy and the Environment, 22(2), 92–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolf, J. (2014). The relationship between sustainable supply chain management, stakeholder pressure and corporate sustainability performance. Journal of Business Ethics, 119(3), 317–328.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, C. (2008). Knowledge creation in a supply chain. Supply Chain Management, 13(3), 241–250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, C., Chaudhuri, A., & Farooq, S. (2016). Interplant coordination, supply chain integration, and operational performance of a plant in a manufacturing network: A mediation analysis. Supply Chain Management, 21(5), 550–568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, C. L., Lin, S. P., Chan, Y. H., & Sheu, C. (2010). Mediated effect of environmental management on manufacturing competitiveness: An empirical study. International Journal of Production Economics, 123(1), 210–220.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, M. G., Hong, P., & Modi, S. B. (2011). Impact of lean manufacturing and environmental management on business performance: An empirical study of manufacturing firms. International Journal of Production Economics, 129(2), 251–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, Y., Jia, F., & Xu, Z. (2019). Towards an integrated conceptual model of supply chain learning: An extended resource-based view. Supply Chain Management, 24(2), 189–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu, W., Jacobs, M. A., Salisbury, W. D., & Enns, H. (2013). The effects of supply chain integration on customer satisfaction and financial performance: An organizational learning perspective. International Journal of Production Economics, 146(1), 346–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zait, A., & Bertea, P. E. (2011). Methods for testing discriminant validity. Management and Marketing Journal, 9(2), 217–224.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, M., Zhao, X., Voss, C., & Zhu, G. (2015). Innovating through services, co-creation and supplier integration: Cases from China. International Journal of Production Economics, 171(2), 289–300.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X., Shen, L., & Wu, Y. (2011). Green strategy for gaining competitive advantage in housing development: A China study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(2–3), 157–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, X., Huo, B., Selen, W., & Yeung, J. H. Y. (2011). The impact of internal integration and relationship commitment on external integration. Journal of Operations Management, 29(1), 17–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Q., & Sarkis, J. (2004). Relationships between operational practices and performance among early adopters of green supply chain management practices in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Journal of Operations Management, 22(3), 265–289.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Q., Krikke, H., & Caniëls, M. C. J. (2018). Supply chain integration: Value creation through managing inter-organizational learning. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 38(1), 211–229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Q., Sarkis, J., & Lai, K.-H. (2013). Institutional-based antecedents and performance outcomes of internal and external green supply chain management practices. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 19(2), 106–117.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Numbers 71525005 and 71372058.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

    Yongyi Shou & Mingu Kang

  2. Faculty of Economics, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan

    Young Won Park

Authors
  1. Yongyi Shou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mingu Kang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Young Won Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yongyi Shou .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Shou, Y., Kang, M., Park, Y.W. (2022). Supply Chain Integration and Sustainability: The Supply Chain Learning Perspective. In: Supply Chain Integration for Sustainable Advantages. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9332-8_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation