Leveraging closed‐loop orientation and leadership for environmental sustainability
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's aim is to develop a closed‐loop supply chain orientation as a strategic alternative available to supply chain organizations seeking competitive advantage in a setting that puts a premium on socially responsible decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature describing the concepts of supply chain orientation and supply chain leadership is used to develop a framework for achieving a competitive advantage.
Findings
Creating a closed‐loop supply chain orientation may be facilitated when the supply chain leader demonstrates a transformational leadership style, and when socially important environmental issues are present.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected concepts in a conceptual framework that sets a stage for future research in this area.
Practical implications
The paper highlights the strategic importance of developing a closed‐loop supply chain orientation in the presence of environmental factors, and a supply chain leadership style that may enhance the transformation to such an orientation.
Originality/value
The paper extends the strategic concept of supply chain orientation to include forward and reverse flows in a holistic, closed‐loop view of the supply chain.
Keywords
Citation
Clifford Defee, C., Esper, T. and Mollenkopf, D. (2009), "Leveraging closed‐loop orientation and leadership for environmental sustainability", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540910941957
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited