6. Conclusion
In summary, this research focuses exclusively on conceptualising the factors of SSCM and developing a holistic model to implement the SSCM. Using the SEM method and data of Chinese manufacturers, the structural hypotheses (i.e. H1–H3) raised in the proposed model was empirically verified. Based on the significant results, all of the hypotheses are supported. This research provides empirical evidence of the multidimensionality in SSCM, which should consider both social and environmental issues. The empirical analysis ofthe third-ordermodel is among thefirst efforts to examine the multidimensionality in SSCM that not limit the investigation of SSCM to the environmental dimension.
There are several contributions from the empirical analysis. First, the definition and valid measurement of the individual firstorder factors can help managers to address the questions “What is SSCM?” and “How should SSCM be implemented?” in their business decision making. Specifically, the questionnaire items used in this research offer a set of quantifying and benchmarking tools for achieving SSCM. That is, the questionnaire items and individual factors could help managers to undertake the suggested activities or actions and direct their attention to particular areas. Second, the analysis of the higher-order model enables managers to understand the SSCM implementation in a structured way. As the debate regarding SSCM has continued, various so-called “sustainable management practices” have emerged in the literature over the last decade. The third-order model proposed in this research reveals the similarities and differences between these practices. By abstracting the three dimensions of SSCM, namely external GSCM, internal GSCM and CSR in SSCM, the research findings provide practitioners insights on identifying the critical areas in order to improve their business decisions to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
