Progressing from internal to supply chain level environmental strategies: The influence of internal support processes

The need for companies to consider the environmental impact of their operations and supply chains is highlighted in the literature. However, few studies consider the role of integration and learning capabilities developed... [ view full abstract ]

The need for companies to consider the environmental impact of their operations and supply chains is highlighted in the literature. However, few studies consider the role of integration and learning capabilities developed through internal environmental efforts as key antecedents to more advanced environmental efforts at the supply chain level. This study assesses the implementation of environmental strategies through the lens of the natural resource-based view and dynamic capabilities perspective. First, the link between the internal strategy ‘pollution prevention’ and the development of internal environmental capabilities is assessed. Second, the mediating influence of these capabilities on the relationship between pollution prevention and process stewardship is considered. Data collected from 149 UK-based food manufacturing companies is analysed using multiple regression analysis. The findings suggest that internally-based environmental efforts are antecedents to the development of internal environmental capabilities that may be useful in the extension of environmental efforts to the supply chain level.