Strategic Sustainability through the RBV Lens: ESG as a Moderator in the Link Between Environmental Innovation, Sustainable Supply Chains and Financial Performance
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Abstract
In response to increasing global concern over climate change and stricter environmental regulations, companies are adopting green strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and sustain their competitiveness. This study aims to bridge the internally driven Resource-Based View (RBV) and the externally oriented Stakeholder Theory by examining the moderating role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in the relationship between environmental innovation, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), and financial performance. The research theoretically contributes by integrating these two major frameworks and empirically providing insights into how sustainability initiatives influence corporate outcomes. A quantitative research design targets medium and large enterprises that disclose ESG performance or engage in certified environmental programs. Purposive sampling is used to identify respondents in managerial roles relevant to sustainability and operations. The data is collected via structured questionnaires, measured using a five-point Likert scale, and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS. The analysis includes measurement and structural model assessments to evaluate construct validity, reliability, and the hypothesized moderation effects. The findings are expected to offer practical implications for firms in designing integrated sustainability strategies and to support stakeholders in evaluating ESG governance as a catalyst for financial performance.
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