Environmental management systems and green supply chain management: Complements for sustainability?

Nicole Darnall, G. Jason Jolley, Robert Handfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

585 Scopus citations

Abstract

Some researchers question the legitimacy of EMSs since organizations can claim to have one when in fact they make no attempt to reduce their environmental harm. In instances where EMSs enhance an organization's environmental performance, critics argue that improvements are likely to occur within the organization's operational boundaries rather than being extended throughout the supply chain. However, previous research suggests that the organizational capabilities required to adopt an EMS may facilitate GSCM implementation and the institutional pressures to adopt both management practices are similar. Consequently, EMS adopters may have a greater propensity to expand their focus beyond their organizational boundaries and utilize GSCM practices to minimize system-wide environmental impacts. This research illuminates the debate by empirically evaluating the relationship between EMS and GSCM practices.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-45
Number of pages16
JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Complementary capabilities
  • Environmental management systems
  • Environmental performance
  • External pressures
  • Green supply chain management
  • Supplier networks
  • Sustainability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Strategy and Management
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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