An integrated framework of mimetic pressures, quality and environmental management, and firm performances

Abstract

Manufacturers have extensively recognised the strategic importance of quality and environmental management. However, there is little guidance on how they adopt and exercise both management practices in a way that enhances firms’ performance outcomes. To fill the research gap, this paper empirically investigates the relationships among mimetic pressures, a firm’s quality management practices (QMPs), environmental management system (EMS), and environmental and financial performances. By using a data set collected from 212 U.S. manufacturing firms, this study examines the proposed hypotheses. Our major findings are: first, mimetic pressures are a driving factor for EMS but do not motivate the adoption of QMPs; second, QMPs are an important enabler not only for enhancing firms’ financial performance but also for promoting EMS and environmental performance; and finally, EMS does not influence firms’ financial performance directly, but indirectly does so through enhancing environmental performance. This study contributes to the literature of quality and environmental management and provides practical implications by addressing motivating factors of both QMPs and EMS, and identifying factors for successful environmental management practices.

Keywords:

• Mimetic pressures
• quality management practices
• environmental management system
• environmental performance
• financial performance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ma Ga (Mark) Yang

Ma Ga (Mark) Yang is an Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business and Public Management at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA. He holds a Ph.D. in Manufacturing and Technology Management from the University of Toledo, USA. His articles have been published in journals including Benchmarking: An International Journal, Computers & Education, Industrial Management & Data Systems, International Journal of Information Management, International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, and Journal of Service Management (listed alphabetically). His research interests are in sustainability, information technology, operations management and supply chain management.

Mingu Kang

Mingu Kang is an associate professor at the School of Management, Zhejiang University, China. Dr. Kang earned a Ph.D. degree from the School of Management, Zhejiang University, China. He holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design Engineering from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea. His articles have been published in Journal of Business Research, Production Planning & Control, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Industrial Marketing Management, Ethics & Behaviour and Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management. His research interests include outsourcing strategy, supply chain management, and strategies for managing technological innovation.