Empirical Investigation into the Driving Factors of Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comparative Analysis of Coal and Agricultural Supply Chains

Abstract

The focus of sustainable development within specific industries, particularly in the agriculture sector, is increasingly vital. This study addresses the gaps in research concerning the driving forces behind sustainable supply chains in the agricultural sector of China, a developing country grappling with significant sustainability challenges. An assumed model of these driving forces is developed, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable practices within this sector. These practices include social sustainability, economic practices, and environmental stewardship. Driving factors for these sustainable supply chain practices can be categorized into internal and external drivers. Internal drivers encompass management strategies and resource allocation, while external drivers involve regulatory pressures, social expectations, and market demands. Additionally, the willingness to adopt sustainable supply chain practices serves as a mediating variable. Utilizing structural equation modeling, this study analyzes responses from 1,483 participants involved in large agricultural enterprises across China. The findings reveal that both regulatory and market pressures significantly positively influence management practices. Internal management and resource allocation also positively impact sustainability practices, though to a lesser extent. Social pressures have a modest effect on these practices, while the intention to pursue sustainability significantly mediates these relationships. This research not only provides insights into the dynamics of sustainable supply chains in the Chinese agricultural sector but also underscores the importance of integrated management approaches to enhance sustainability across the board.