Benchmarking sustainability practices: evidence from manufacturing firms

Purpose – With increasing emphasis on the environment, firms are required to include sustainability practices at all levels – strategic, operational, and outcome measures. The purpose of this paper is to present a research model that defines sustainability practices in the context of the competitive business environment, strategic driver, operational and supply chain practices, and performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper identifies research gaps in the areas of integration of sustainability practices across functional levels within firms and across networks. In total, 379 companies were analyzed in structural equation modeling. Findings – This study has three important findings: First, firms striving for responsiveness to market and customers also improve environmental performance; second, this study confirms lean practices as an important mediator to achieve excellent environmental performance; third, the focal company takes the lead in achieving environmental performance, and suppliers are in the supportive circle of influence. Originality/value – This study provides a research model based on rich theoretical support. It further provides reliable measures of sustainability practices as benchmark tools.