Leveraging Supplier Integration for Sustainable Supply Chain Practices: A Governance Mechanism Perspective
基于对235家中国制造企业的调查数据，研究发现供应商产品整合直接促进可持续供应链实践，而供应商流程整合通过产品整合间接起作用；契约和关系治理机制强化了产品整合的效果，但削弱了流程整合的效果。
ABSTRACT Extant research has given insufficient attention to the influence of supplier integration on sustainable supply chain practices (SSCPs), while also neglecting the contingent role of governance mechanisms. Using boundary theory and resource–capability–performance (outcome) theoretical framework, this study applies hierarchical linear regression and bootstrapping to analyze survey data collected from 235 Chinese manufacturing enterprises, testing a theoretical model and series of hypotheses. The findings reveal that supplier product integration directly promotes SSCP, while supplier process integration indirectly contributes to SSCP through supplier product integration. Moreover, contractual and relational governance mechanisms strengthen the impact of supplier product integration on SSCP but reduce the effect of supplier process integration. The study highlights the relevance of boundary theory in advancing SSCP and emphasizes the need for firms to integrate suppliers under varying governance mechanisms to enhance sustainability outcomes.