Lean production, green supply chain management and environmental performance: a configurational perspective based on the Portuguese context

Abstract

Purpose Organizations are faced with increasing pressure to engage in sustainable development. There is an ongoing discussion on how to incorporate green thinking into lean management systems. This study aims to investigate configurations of lean and green supply chain management (GSCM) practices associated with high environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach The study uses survey data from a sample of Portuguese manufacturing firms and apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the data. This configurational technique allows to capture the synergetic effect of lean and GSCM practices and identify distinct combinations leading to the outcome of interest. Findings Seven configurations of lean and green practices are associated with high environmental performance. The implementation of lean practices is required in all configurations. Analysis of alternative combinations reveals trade-offs between lean initiatives and environmental goals. Four configurations require low level of implementation of pull production. In one configuration, high environmental performance is achieved with low implementation of statistical process control and without lean employee involvement. Research limitations/implications This study expands the literature on lean management by identifying different strategies to integrate lean and GSCM practices to achieve high environmental performance. Practical implications The findings suggest different strategies to achieve high environmental performance. Managers need to selectively implement lean and green supply chain practices to achieve the desired combinatorial effect, which may require not to implement specific lean practices. Originality/value The study demonstrates the synergetic effects of lean and green practices on environmental performance using a configurational perspective. In addition, it identifies combinations that require a low level of implementation of specific lean practices.