۱- Introduction

۲- Theory and hypotheses

۳- Methodology

۴- Results

۵- Discussion and conclusion

References

Abstract

Managing supplier relationships in an environmentally responsible way may prevent risk of adverse publicity and reputational damage to the buying firm. Drawing on the stakeholder approach and the environmental management capability framework, the purpose of this paper is to gain further knowledge regarding the impact of strategies oriented to green supply chain management on a firm’s corporate reputation. We test a set of hypotheses in a panel data of European manufacturing companies for a period of ten years. Our findings provide strong support for the premise that supplier selection, monitoring and partnership termination based on environmental criteria positively influence corporate reputation. Additionally, evidence suggests that the implementation of those strategies in an integral way as well as progressing towards the adoption of green supply chain management benefit a firm’s reputation. This study has implications for theory and practice.

Introduction

A strong reputation is a decisive resource to reach and maintain competitive advantage (Bergh, Ketchen, Boyd, & Bergh, 2010; Walker, 2010). This strategic potential is due to its own value-creation capability, and to its intangible nature which are qualities that make it difficult for the competitors to imitate (Martín de Castro, Navas López, & López Sáez, 2006). A firm’s reputation is boosted through positive actions, and a suitable management of its resources and capabilities, rather than by increasing advertising or effective corporate communication (Burke, 2011; Hoejmose, Roehrich, & Grosvold, 2014). Environmental sustainability is one of the greatest current challenges that a firm must face to guarantee its legitimacy and good reputation. Governmental legislation and growing environmental concerns among society imply that companies cannot undervalue environmental issues if they want to maintain their competitive advantage. The environmental management comprises responsible use of energy, water, materials, and hazardous substances; emissions reduction, and waste management of water and materials (Porteous, Rammohan, & Lee, 2015). Reputation is not only built around the focal firm’s activities, but is also influenced by the actions developed in B2B partnerships (Money, Hillenbrand, Day, & Magnan, 2010).