The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance

Niu Lixia; Muhammad Mansab; Amarah Malik; Shahzad Sadiq; Wajid Ali

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance

Niu Lixia, Muhammad Mansab^*

, Amarah Malik, Shahzad Sadiq, Wajid Ali

Published in International Journal of Business and Economics Research (Volume 14, Issue 6)

Received: 26 September 2025 Accepted: 15 October 2025 Published: 28 November 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the mediating role of green management in the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance among Chinese and Pakistani companies. It aims to clarify how sustainable operational strategies and environmental initiatives enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from 200 firms listed on the Chinese and Pakistani stock exchanges between 2014 and 2024, selected through purposive sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using Python and SPSS (version 26), and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and indirect relationships among GSCM, green innovation, and firm performance. Findings: The results reveal that GSCM practices do not directly influence firm performance; however, green innovation fully mediates this relationship. Firms that integrate green management and innovation achieve higher efficiency, improved environmental compliance, and stronger competitive advantages. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating effect of green innovation in the GSCM–performance nexus, particularly in the context of China and Pakistan. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable operations and offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance environmental and economic performance through green management initiatives.

Published in	International Journal of Business and Economics Research (Volume 14, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
Page(s)	225-239
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Green Supply Chain Management, Firm Performance, Systems Theory, Structural Equation Modelling

References

[1]	A. Abbas, X. Luo, F. Shahzad, and M. U. Wattoo, “Optimizing organizational performance in manufacturing: The role of IT capability, green supply chain integration, and green innovation,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 423, p. 138848, 2023.
[2]	A. B. Abdallah and W. S. Al-Ghwayeen, “Green supply chain management and business performance: The mediating roles of environmental and operational performances,” Business Process Management Journal, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 489–512, 2020.
[3]	J. Aguilera-Caracuel and N. Ortiz-de-Mandojana, “Green innovation and financial performance: An institutional approach,” Organization and Environment, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 365–385, 2013.
[4]	A. W. Alkhatib, “Fostering green innovation: The roles of big data analytics capabilities and green supply chain integration,” European Journal of Innovation Management, 2023.
[5]	D. Agustia, T. Sawarjuwono, and W. Dianawati, “The mediating effect of environmental management accounting on green innovation–firm value relationship,” International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 299–306, 2019.
[6]	D. Asamoah, I. N. Acquah, D. Nuertey, B. Agyei-Owusu, and C. A. Kumi, “Unpacking the role of green absorptive capacity in the relationship between green supply chain management practices and firm performance,” Benchmarking: An International Journal, 2023.
[7]	S. Alshiqi, M. Dogan, H. S. Cerci, and A. S. Koyluoglu, “The effect of green supply chain practices on firm performance: An empirical research,” Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, vol. 118, no. 13, 2022.
[8]	B. E. Awotwe-Hunny, The Effects of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Firms’ Performance: Mediating Role of Green Innovation of Manufacturing Firms in Ghana, Doctoral Dissertation, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2023.
[9]	D. Chu, H. Yang, M. Lee, and S. Park, “The impact of institutional pressures on green supply chain management and firm performance: Top management roles and social capital,” Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 9, no. 5, 2017.
[10]	R. J. Chiou, R. H. Chen, and F. H. Huang, “Green innovation in the automobile industry,” Industrial Management and Data Systems, vol. 114, no. 6, pp. 886–903, 2014.
[11]	E. Cuglielmetti, J. Robins, and F. Mazzocchi, “Green innovation and sustainable manufacturing: Empirical evidence,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 211, pp. 153–163, 2019.
[12]	D. Fei and S. Hedley, “Nature of firm performance in construction,” Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, vol. 140, no. 2, pp. 1–13, 2013.
[13]	R. Geng, S. A. Mansouri, and E. Aktas, “The relationship between green supply chain management and performance: A meta-analysis of empirical evidence in Asian emerging economies,” International Journal of Production Economics, vol. 183, pp. 245–258, 2019.
[14]	K. Govindan, K. Muduli, K. Devika, and A. Barve, “Investigating the influential strength of factors on adopting green supply chain management practices: An Indian mining scenario,” Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 107, pp. 185–194, 2016.
[15]	E. Handriani and R. Robiyanto, “Institutional ownership, independent board, board size, and firm performance: Evidence from Indonesia,” Contaduría y Administración, vol. 64, no. 3, p. 118, 2018.
[16]	I. Harymawan, “Why do firms appoint former military personnel as directors? Evidence of loan interest rate in militarily connected firms in Indonesia,” Asian Review of Accounting, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 2–18, 2018.
[17]	M. Ibhagui and F. Olokoyo, “Leverage and firm performance: New evidence on the role of firm size,” North American Journal of Economics and Finance, vol. 45, pp. 57–82, 2018.
[18]	M. Junaid, Q. Zhang, and M. W. Syed, “Effects of sustainable supply chain integration on green innovation and firm performance,” Sustainable Production and Consumption, vol. 30, pp. 145–157, 2022.
[19]	K. Kara and S. Edinsel, “The mediating role of green product innovation between green HRM and GSCM: Evidence from automotive industry companies in Turkey,” Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 488–509, 2023.
[20]	M. T. Khan, M. D. Idrees, M. Rauf, A. Sami, A. Ansari, and A. Jamil, “Green supply chain management practices’ impact on operational performance with the mediation of technological innovation,” Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 6, p. 3362, 2022.
[21]	M. T. Khan, M. D. Idrees, and Y. Haider, “Industry 4.0 impacts operational and green innovation performances with the mediation of green practices,” International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 2023.
[22]	L. Li, S. Shan, J. Dai, W. Che, and Y. Shou, “The impact of green supply chain management on green innovation: A meta-analysis from the inter-organizational learning perspective,” International Journal of Production Economics, vol. 250, p. 108622, 2022.
[23]	W. Lisi, R. Zhu, and C. Yuan, “Embracing green innovation via green supply chain learning: The moderating role of green technology turbulence,” Sustainable Development, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 155–168, 2020.
[24]	Y. Ma, Q. Yin, Y. Pan, W. Cui, B. Xin, and Z. Rao, “Green product innovation and firm performance: Assessing the moderating effect of novelty- and efficiency-centered business model design,” Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 1–13, 2018.
[25]	H. Makhlouf, N. Chatti, and L. Lakhal, “The impact of TQM and green innovation on corporate sustainability: The mediating role of green supply chain management,” International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40, no. 10, pp. 2592–2611, 2023.
[26]	F. Malik, F. Wang, J. Li, and M. A. Naseem, “Impact of environmental disclosure on firm performance: The mediating role of green innovation,” Revista de Contabilidad-Spanish Accounting Review, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 14–26, 2023.
[27]	S. Namagembe, R. Sridharan, and S. Ryan, “Green supply chain management practice adoption in Ugandan SME manufacturing firms,” World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 154–173, 2016.
[28]	N. Nureen, D. Liu, M. Irfan, M. Malik, and U. Awan, “Nexuses among green supply chain management, green human capital, managerial environmental knowledge, and firm performance,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 6, p. 5597, 2023.
[29]	N. S. Soewarno, B. Tjahjadi, and F. Fithrianti, “Green innovation strategy and green innovation: The roles of green organizational identity and environmental organizational legitimacy,” Management Decision, vol. 57, no. 11, pp. 3061–3078, 2019.
[30]	D. Sugandini, M. Muafi, C. Susilowati, Y. Siswanti, and W. Syafri, “Green supply chain management and green marketing strategy on green purchase intention: SMEs cases,” Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 79–92, 2020.
[31]	N. M. Suki, N. M. Suki, A. Sharif, S. Afshan, and G. Rexhepi, “Importance of green innovation for business sustainability: Identifying the key role of green intellectual capital and SCM,” Business Strategy and the Environment, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 1542–1558, 2023.
[32]	N. Waqas and L. Tan, “Big data analytics capabilities for reinforcing green production and sustainable firm performance: The moderating role of corporate reputation and supply chain innovativeness,” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 14318–14336, 2023.
[33]	X. Wen, J. H. Cheah, X. J. Lim, and S. Ramachandran, “Why does ‘green’ matter in supply chain management? Exploring institutional pressures, green practices, innovation, and economic performance in the Chinese chemical sector,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 427, p. 139182, 2023.
[34]	H. H. R. Weng, J. S. Chen, and P. C. Chen, “Effects of green innovation on environmental and corporate performance: A stakeholder perspective,” Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 4997–5026, 2015.
[35]	J. Xu and J. Li, “The impact of intellectual capital on SMEs’ performance in China,” Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 488–509, 2018.
[36]	J. Geng, S. Mansouri, and E. Aktas, “The relationship between GSCM and performance in Asian economies,” International Journal of Production Economics, vol. 183, pp. 245–258, 2019.
[37]	M. Jermsittiparsert, P. Siriattakul, and N. Sangperm, “Predictors of environmental performance: Mediating role of green supply chain management practices,” International Journal of Supply Chain Management, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 877–888, 2019.
[38]	M. Umar, I. Danjuma, D. D. Hammawa, and S. A. Habibu, “Effects of technological innovation in the relationship between green supply chain management practices and green performance,” International Review of Management and Marketing, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 677–682, 2016.
[39]	R. Lin, R. Chen, and F. Huang, “Green innovation in the automobile industry,” Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 114, no. 6, pp. 886–903, 2014.
[40]	N. Harymawan, “Military-connected directors and firm loan interest rates in Indonesia,” Asian Review of Accounting, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 2–18, 2018.
[41]	J. Liu, Q. Zhu, and J. Sarkis, “Circular economy through green supply chains: A review,” International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 48, no. 8, pp. 794–817, 2018.
[42]	Y. Wibowo, N. Handayani, and A. Mustikasari, “Green SCM in construction industry,” Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 651–679, 2018.
[43]	A. W. Alkhatib, “Green innovation, big data, and SCM integration,” European Journal of Innovation Management, 2023.
[44]	L. Li et al., “GSCM impact on green innovation,” International Journal of Production Economics, vol. 250, p. 108622, 2022.
[45]	J. Liu et al., “Green SCM and CE integration,” Int. J. of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 48, no. 8, pp. 794–817, 2018.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Lixia, N., Mansab, M., Malik, A., Sadiq, S., Ali, W. (2025). The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 14(6), 225-239. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Lixia, N.; Mansab, M.; Malik, A.; Sadiq, S.; Ali, W. The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. Int. J. Bus. Econ. Res. 2025, 14(6), 225-239. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Lixia N, Mansab M, Malik A, Sadiq S, Ali W. The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. Int J Bus Econ Res. 2025;14(6):225-239. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11,
  author = {Niu Lixia and Muhammad Mansab and Amarah Malik and Shahzad Sadiq and Wajid Ali},
  title = {The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance},
  journal = {International Journal of Business and Economics Research},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {225-239},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijber.20251406.11},
  abstract = {Purpose: This study explores the mediating role of green management in the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance among Chinese and Pakistani companies. It aims to clarify how sustainable operational strategies and environmental initiatives enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from 200 firms listed on the Chinese and Pakistani stock exchanges between 2014 and 2024, selected through purposive sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using Python and SPSS (version 26), and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and indirect relationships among GSCM, green innovation, and firm performance. Findings: The results reveal that GSCM practices do not directly influence firm performance; however, green innovation fully mediates this relationship. Firms that integrate green management and innovation achieve higher efficiency, improved environmental compliance, and stronger competitive advantages. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating effect of green innovation in the GSCM–performance nexus, particularly in the context of China and Pakistan. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable operations and offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance environmental and economic performance through green management initiatives.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance
AU  - Niu Lixia
AU  - Muhammad Mansab
AU  - Amarah Malik
AU  - Shahzad Sadiq
AU  - Wajid Ali
Y1  - 2025/11/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
T2  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JF  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JO  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
SP  - 225
EP  - 239
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-756X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
AB  - Purpose: This study explores the mediating role of green management in the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance among Chinese and Pakistani companies. It aims to clarify how sustainable operational strategies and environmental initiatives enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from 200 firms listed on the Chinese and Pakistani stock exchanges between 2014 and 2024, selected through purposive sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using Python and SPSS (version 26), and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and indirect relationships among GSCM, green innovation, and firm performance. Findings: The results reveal that GSCM practices do not directly influence firm performance; however, green innovation fully mediates this relationship. Firms that integrate green management and innovation achieve higher efficiency, improved environmental compliance, and stronger competitive advantages. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating effect of green innovation in the GSCM–performance nexus, particularly in the context of China and Pakistan. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable operations and offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance environmental and economic performance through green management initiatives.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Niu Lixia

Institute of Business Administration, Liaoning Technical University, Huludao, China

Contact Email
Muhammad Mansab

Institute of Business Administration, Liaoning Technical University, Huludao, China

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-2915-7863
Amarah Malik

Department of Microbiology, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Contact Email
Shahzad Sadiq

Institute of Business Administration, Liaoning Technical University, Huludao, China

Contact Email
Wajid Ali

Department of Civil Engineering, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan

Contact Email

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Lixia, N., Mansab, M., Malik, A., Sadiq, S., Ali, W. (2025). The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 14(6), 225-239. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Lixia, N.; Mansab, M.; Malik, A.; Sadiq, S.; Ali, W. The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. Int. J. Bus. Econ. Res. 2025, 14(6), 225-239. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Lixia N, Mansab M, Malik A, Sadiq S, Ali W. The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance. Int J Bus Econ Res. 2025;14(6):225-239. doi: 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11,
  author = {Niu Lixia and Muhammad Mansab and Amarah Malik and Shahzad Sadiq and Wajid Ali},
  title = {The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance},
  journal = {International Journal of Business and Economics Research},
  volume = {14},
  number = {6},
  pages = {225-239},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijber.20251406.11},
  abstract = {Purpose: This study explores the mediating role of green management in the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance among Chinese and Pakistani companies. It aims to clarify how sustainable operational strategies and environmental initiatives enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from 200 firms listed on the Chinese and Pakistani stock exchanges between 2014 and 2024, selected through purposive sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using Python and SPSS (version 26), and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and indirect relationships among GSCM, green innovation, and firm performance. Findings: The results reveal that GSCM practices do not directly influence firm performance; however, green innovation fully mediates this relationship. Firms that integrate green management and innovation achieve higher efficiency, improved environmental compliance, and stronger competitive advantages. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating effect of green innovation in the GSCM–performance nexus, particularly in the context of China and Pakistan. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable operations and offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance environmental and economic performance through green management initiatives.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Mediating Impact of Green Management on the Relationship Between Green Supply Chains and Firm Performance
AU  - Niu Lixia
AU  - Muhammad Mansab
AU  - Amarah Malik
AU  - Shahzad Sadiq
AU  - Wajid Ali
Y1  - 2025/11/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
T2  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JF  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
JO  - International Journal of Business and Economics Research
SP  - 225
EP  - 239
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-756X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijber.20251406.11
AB  - Purpose: This study explores the mediating role of green management in the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and firm performance among Chinese and Pakistani companies. It aims to clarify how sustainable operational strategies and environmental initiatives enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative data were collected from 200 firms listed on the Chinese and Pakistani stock exchanges between 2014 and 2024, selected through purposive sampling. Statistical analyses were conducted using Python and SPSS (version 26), and structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the direct and indirect relationships among GSCM, green innovation, and firm performance. Findings: The results reveal that GSCM practices do not directly influence firm performance; however, green innovation fully mediates this relationship. Firms that integrate green management and innovation achieve higher efficiency, improved environmental compliance, and stronger competitive advantages. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the mediating effect of green innovation in the GSCM–performance nexus, particularly in the context of China and Pakistan. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sustainable operations and offer practical guidance for firms seeking to enhance environmental and economic performance through green management initiatives.
VL  - 14
IS  - 6
ER  -

Copy | Download