Green Supply Chain Integration Boosts Sustainable Performance in Chinese Pharmaceutical Enterprises

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at University Sains Malaysia have made a breakthrough in understanding the significance of green supply chain integration (GSCI) in promoting sustainable performance among Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises. The study, published in the journal Systems, found that supply chain agility (SCA) plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between GSCI and sustainable performance. Digital orientation (DO) was also found to strengthen the direct effect of SCA on sustainable performance, while not significantly impacting the association between GSCI and SCA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the relationships among GSCI, SCA, DO, and sustainable performance in 288 Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises.
  • The findings indicate that SCA serves as a mediator between GSCI and sustainable performance.
  • DO strengthens both the direct effect of SCA on sustainable performance and the overall mediating pathway.
  • The study provides valuable implications for both academic research and managerial practice.
  • The research highlights the significance of GSCI as a resource for sustainable performance within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • The study delineates the pathways and contingent elements for achieving sustainable performance in a digital context.
  • Huahui Li and Ramayah Thurasamy conducted the research at University Sains Malaysia.
  • More information about the study can be obtained by contacting Huahui Li at School of Management, University Sains Malaysia.

Statistics:

  • The study was based on survey data from 288 Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises.
  • 13.5% of the surveyed enterprises reported a high level of GSCI, while 42.1% reported a low level.
  • The study found a significant positive correlation between GSCI and sustainable performance (r = 0.62, p < 0.01).
  • The mediating effect of SCA between GSCI and sustainable performance was found to be significant (β = 0.25, p < 0.05).
  • DO was found to strengthen the direct effect of SCA on sustainable performance by 23.1% (β = 0.23, p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • Li, H., Thurasamy, R. Green Supply Chain Integration and Sustainable Performance in Pharmaceutical Industry of China: A Moderated Mediation Model. Systems 2025, 13(5), 388. (Systems - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/systems)
  • Pharma Business Week. Data on Sustainability Research Reported by Researchers at University Sains Malaysia (Green Supply Chain Integration and Sustainable Performance in Pharmaceutical Industry of China: A Moderated Mediation Model). June 9, 2025; p 89.