Sustainable orientation and purchasing: what about a remanufactured component?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the sustainable orientation (SO) of companies and the strategic importance of components strategic importance may affect the decision to purchase remanufactured items.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a 2 × 2 full-factorial (combining between and within-subjects), scenario-based, role-playing experiment. Subjects in the study were US managers familiar with purchasing/supply chain topics. The hypotheses were tested using linear regression models.

Findings

The findings suggest that before becoming aware of any social benefits, a company's SO directly affects purchasing decisions, especially when the component is strategic. Perceptional aspects also play a significant role.

Research limitations/implications

This study may help managers develop strategies for adopting the use of remanufactured components. New studies can benefit from the findings by focusing on how awareness of social benefits may increase the likelihood of using remanufactured components.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that before becoming aware of any social benefits, a company's SO directly affects purchasing decisions, especially when the component is strategic. Perceptional aspects also play a significant role.

Citation

Tondolo, V.A.G., Paiva, E.L., Tondolo, R.d.R.P. and Santos, J.B. (2023), "Sustainable orientation and purchasing: what about a remanufactured component?", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 72 No. 5, pp. 1266-1285. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2021-0323