Strategic Supply Chain Drivers for Achieving Sustainability and Environmental Greenness in Developing Economies

Abstract

The integration of environmental and social responsibility considerations into supply chain management is becoming increasingly critical to the overall success of organizations and their supply chains. Organizations are now held accountable not only for their own environmental, social, and economic impacts but also for those of their supply chain partners. For sustainability strategies to be effectively implemented, it is essential to consider environmental factors, government regulations, and social norms across all stages of the supply chain—from suppliers to end customers.This study aimed to: examine the external supply chain drivers that promote greenness and sustainability; investigate the internal supply chain drivers that support greenness and sustainability; and assess the sustainability practices of MOVIS Ghana Limited and BAJ Freight and Logistics Limited.

To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a descriptive single cross-sectional survey design and employed a stratified sampling technique, resulting in a sample size of 105 respondents. The constructs used in the study demonstrated reliability and validity, with a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of 0.8 and a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.71. Regression analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between external and internal supply chain drivers. Furthermore, the study found that both external and internal supply chain drivers positively and significantly influence the adoption of green and sustainable practices.

Based on these findings, the study recommends that organizational managers broaden their procurement objectives beyond recycling and reuse. Supply chain evaluations and audits should incorporate life cycle costing, design for reuse, and informed decisions on supplier and production choices. Organizations should also invest in modern technologies and equipment, as these are critical for process innovation and the effective implementation of sustainability initiatives throughout the supply chain. Additionally, cross-functional training and continuous education should be prioritized to enhance sustainability performance, support skill development, improve job efficiency, and reduce errors and waste.