The relationship between green operation and sustainable quality performance: the mediation role of environmental technology

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between green operations and sustainable quality performance, by incorporating environmental technology as a mediator. Using a sample of 124 firms in Malaysia’s industrial products and service companies, a proposed set of hypotheses are tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling, which allows for consistent analysis. The results show that green operations positively impact environmental technology. Likewise, both these constructs have a significant relationship with sustainable quality performance. Moreover, environmental technology positively mediates the relationship between both green operation and sustainable quality performance of firms. These specific findings can be insightful for technical and operational managers when they respond to multiple stakeholders’ specific environmental and competitive expectations. The findings provide empirical evidence for policymakers, technical and operational managers in advancing green operations with specific operational functions and responsive to the importance of integrating innovative environmental technology toward sustainable quality performance.

Keywords:

• green operations
• environmental technology
• sustainable quality performance
• emerging economy
• mediation model

Conflict of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2021.1931823.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the [National Natural Science Foundation of China] under Grant [71673022, 71772104]; [Beijing Social Science Fund] under Grant [17LJB004]; and [Tsinghua University-Inditex Sustainable Development Fund] under Grant [TISD201902].