Embedding Sustainability Values in Logistics and Supply Chains: Linking Organizational Culture, Practices, and Performance

Although many organizations have started to adopt sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), many organizations still face challenges in achieving their long-term sustainability goals due to pressures such as ever-changing environments and stakeholder conflicts, which are wicked sustainability problems. This present study develops a value-driven sustainable supply chain management (VSSCM) framework that advances existing integrative SSCM conceptual models by adopting an open-system perspective. This developed framework differs from previous frameworks that focus primarily on sustainability practices or performance dimensions. Based on the General System Theory and Mindsponge Framework approaches, the VSSCM framework presented describes the mechanism by which sustainability values are deeply embedded in organizational culture, translated into sustainable supply chain management practices, and transformed into adaptive and buffering capabilities that drive the performance of sustainable supply chains. The output eventually creates long-term values of stakeholder satisfaction, stakeholder well-being, and brand equity. Along with the feedback loop process, the system allows the organization’s values and beliefs to be continuously reviewed and developed to respond to and address the dynamic environmental changes. Finally, this VSSCM theory provides theoretical propositions, practical implications, and directions for future research development.