Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Determinants of Green Practice Adoption for Logistics Companies in China

  • Published:
Journal of Business Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of green practices in Chinese logistics industry. The determinant factors are composed of technological, organizational, and environmental dimensions. A questionnaire survey on the green practice adoption of Chinese logistics companies was conducted, and 322 samples were analyzed. Research results reveal that relative advantage and compatibility of green practices, organizational support, quality of human resources, regulatory pressure, and governmental support have significantly positive influences on the adoption of green practices for Chinese logistics companies. Environmental uncertainty and green practice’s complexity have significantly negative influences on green practice adoption. However, the influence of customer pressure is not significant for Chinese logistics companies. This article also suggests implications and opportunities for future research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alvarez-Gil, M. J., P. Berrone, F. J. Husillos and N. Lado: 2007, ‘Reverse Logistics, Stakeholders’ Influence, Organizational Slack, and Managers’ Posture’, Journal of Businesss Research 60(5), 463-473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aragon-Correa, J. A., F. Matias-Reche and M. E. Senise-Barrio: 2004, ‘Managerial Discretion and Corporate Commitment to the Natural Environment’, Journal of Business Research 57(9), 964-975.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aragon-Correa, J. A. and S. Sharma: 2003, ‘A Contingent Resource-based View of Proactive Corporate Environmental Strategy’, Academy of Management Review 28(1), 71-88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong, J. S. and T. S. Overion: 1977, ‘Estimating Nonresponse Bias in Mail Surveys’, Journal of Marketing Research 14(3), 396-402.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boiral, O.: 2002. ‘Tacit Knowledge and Environmental Management’, Long Range Planning 35(3), 291-317.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buchko, A. A.: 1994. ‘Conceptualization and Measurement of Environmental Uncertainty: An assessment of the Miles and Snow Perceived environmental uncertainty Scale’, Academy of Management Journal 37(2), 410-425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buysse, K. and A. Verbeke: 2003, ‘Proactive Environmental Strategies: A Stakeholder Management Perspective’, Strategic Management Journal 24(5), 453-470.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chau, P. Y. K. and K. Y. Tam: 1997, ‘Factors Affecting the Adoption of Open Systems: An Exploratory Study’, MIS Quarterly 21(1), 1-24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christmann, P.: 2000, ‘Effects of “Best Practices” of Environmental Management on Cost Advantage: The Role of Complementary Assets’, Academy of Management Journal 43(4), 663-680.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christmann, P.: 2004, ‘Multinational Companies and the Natural Environment: Determinants of Global Environmental Policy Standardization’, Academy of Management Journal 47(5), 747-760.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christmann, P. and G. Taylor: 2001, ‘Globalization and the Environment: determinants of Firm Self-regulation in China’, Journal of International Business Studies 32(3), 439-458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damanpour, F.: 1991, ‘Organizational Innovation: A Meta-analysis of Effects of Determinants and Moderators’, Academy of Management Journal 34(3), 555-590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Brio, J. A. and B. Junquera: 2003, ‘A Review of the Literature on Environmental Innovation Management in SMEs: Implications for Public Policies’, Technovation 23(12), 939-948.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Del Rio Gonzalez, P.: 2005, ‘Analysing the Factors Influencing Clean Technology Adoption: A Study of the Spanish Pulp and Paper Industry’, Business Strategy and the Environment 14(1), 20-37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dupuy, D.: 1997, ‘Technological Change and Environmental Policy: The Diffusion of Environmental Technology’, Growth and Change 28(1), 49-66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Etzion, D: 2007, ‘Research on Organizations and the Natural Environment, 1992-Present: a Review’, Journal of Management 33(4), 637-664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frambach, R. T. and N. Schillewaert: 2002, ‘Organizational Innovation Adoption: A Multi-level Framework of Determinants and Opportunities for Future Research’, Journal of Business Research 55(2), 163-176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gadenne, D. L., J. Kennedy and C. McKeiver: 2009, ‘An Empirical Study of Environmental Awareness and Practices in SMEs. Journal of Business Ethics 84(1), 45-63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez-Benito, J. and O. Gonzalez-Benito: 2006a, ‘A Review of Determinant Factors of Environmental Proactivity’, Business Strategy and the Environment 15(2), 87-102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez-Benito, J. and O. Gonzalez-Benito: 2006b, ‘The Role of Stakeholder Pressure and Managerial Values in the Implementation of Environmental Logistics Practices’, International Journal of Production Research 44(7), 1353-1373.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, A. K. and V. Govindrajan: 1991, ‘Knowledge Flows and the Structure of Control within Multinational Corporations’, Academy of Management Review 16(4), 768-792.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hart, S. L: 1995, ‘A Natural Resource-based View of the Firm’, Academy of Management Review 20(4), 986-1014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henriques, I. and P. Sadorsky: 1999, ‘The Relationship between Environmental Commitment and Managerial Perceptions of Stakeholder Importance’, Academy of Management Journal 42(1), 87-99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Henriques, I. And P. Sadorsky: 2007, ‘Environmental Technical and Administrative Innovations in the Canadian Manufacturing Industry’, Business Strategy and the Environment 16(2), 119-132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ip, P. K. 2009, ‘The Challenge of Developing a Business Ethics in China’, Journal of Business Ethics 88(1), 211-224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeyaraj, A., J. W. Rottman and M. C. Lacity: 2006, ‘A Review of the Predictors, Linkages, and Biases in IT innovation Adoption Research. Journal of Information Technology 21(1), 1-23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, B.: 2002, ‘How International Firms Are Coping with Supply Chain Issues in China’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 7(4), 184-188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kimberly, J. R. and M. J. Evanisko: 1981, ‘Organizational Innovation: The Influence of Individual, Organizational, and Contextual Factors on Hospital Adoption of Technological and Administrative innovations’, Academy of Management Journal 24(4), 689-713.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S: 2008, ‘Drivers for the Participation of Small and Medium-sized Suppliers in Green Supply Chain Initiatives’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 13(3), 185-198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, H. Y., Y-K. Lee and D. Kwon: 2005, ‘The Intention to Use Computerized Reservation Systems: The Moderating Effects of Organizational Support and Supplier Incentive’, Journal of Business Research 58(11), 1552-1561.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, H. and K. Atuahene-Gima: 2002, ‘The Adoption of Agency Business Activity, Product Innovation, and Performance in Chinese Technology Ventures. Strategic Management Journal 23(6), 469-490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li & Fung Research Centre: 2008, ‘China’s Logistics Industry, 2007–08’, China Distribution & Trading 53.

  • Liu, J., H. Viney and D. Holt: 2004, ‘Environmental Issues in China’, European Business Journal 16(2), 59-69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Gamero, M. D., E. Claver-Cortes and J. F. Molina-Azorın: 2008, ‘Complementary Resources and Capabilities for an Ethical and Environmental Management: A Qual/Quan Study’, Journal of Business Ethics 82(3), 701-732.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, P. R. and R. F. Poist: 2003, ‘Green Perspectives and Practices: A “Comparative Logistics” Study’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 8(2), 122-131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. C.: 1978, Psychometric Theory (McGraw-Hill, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Podsakoff, P. M., S. B. MacKenzie, J-Y. Lee and N. P. Podsakoff: 2003, ‘Common Method Biases in Behavioral Research: A Critical Review of the Literature and Recommended Remedies’, Journal of Applied Psychology 88(5), 879-903.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. M: 2003, Diffusion of Innovations (Free Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothenberg, S. and S. C. Zyglidopoulos: 2007, ‘Determinants of Environmental Innovation Adoption in the Printing Industry: the Importance of Task Environment’, Business Strategy and the Environment 16(1), 39-49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russo, M. V. and P. A. Fouts: 1997, ‘A Resource-based Perspective on Corporate Environmental Performance and Profitability’, Academy of Management Journal 40(3), 534-559.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarkis, J., L. M. Meade and S. Talluri: 2004, ‘E-logistics and the Natural Environment’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 9(4), 303-312.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scupola, A: 2003, ‘The Adoption of Internet Commerce by SMEs in the South of Italy: An Environmental, Technological and Organizational Perspective’, Journal of Global Information Technology Management 6(1), 52-71.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sia, C-L., H-H Teo, B. C-Y. Tan and K-K. Wei: 2004, ‘Effects of Environmental Uncertainty on Organizational Intention to Adopt Distributed Work Arrangements’, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 51(3), 253-267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sirmon, D. G., M. A. Hitt, M. A. and R. D. Ireland: 2007, ‘Managing Firm Resources in Dynamic Environments to Create Value: Looking Inside the Black Box’, Academy of Management Review 32(1), 273-292.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tornatzky, L.G. and M. Fleischer: 1990, The Process of Technological Innovation (Lexington Books, Lexington, MA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tornatzky, L. G. and K. J. Klein: 1982, ‘Innovation Characteristics and Innovation Adoption-implementation: A Meta-analysis of Findings’, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management 29(1), 28-45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Q., F. Lai and X. Zhao: 2008, ‘The Impact of Information Technology on the Financial Performance of Third-party Logistics Firms in China’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 13(2), 138-150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, D., G. Lynch-Wood and J. Ramsay: 2006, ‘Drivers of Environmental Behaviour in Manufacturing SMEs and the Implications for CSR’, Journal of Business Ethics 67(3), 317-330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Q., J. Sarkis, J. J. Cordeiro and K-H. Lai: 2008, ‘Firm-level Correlates of Emergent Green Supply Chain Management Practices in the Chinese Context,’ Omega: The International Journal of Management Science 36(4), 577-591.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Q., J. Sarkis and Y. Geng: 2005, ‘Green Supply Chain Management in China: Pressures, Practices and Performance’, International Journal of Operations & Production Management 25(5), 449-468.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, K. and J. P. Weyant: 2003, ‘Strategic Decisions of New Technology Adoption under Asymmetric Information: A Game-theoretic Model’, Decision Sciences 34(4), 643-675.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan

    Chieh-Yu Lin & Yi-Hui Ho

Authors
  1. Chieh-Yu Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yi-Hui Ho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Chieh-Yu Lin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lin, CY., Ho, YH. Determinants of Green Practice Adoption for Logistics Companies in China. J Bus Ethics 98, 67–83 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0535-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0535-9

Key words

Search

Navigation