A structural model for assessing the impact of lean-green barriers on sustainable performance

Abstract

PURPOSE : The purpose of the study is to examine the impact of internal and external barriers on Lean-Green manufacturing during its post-implementation phase. Examining the impact of Lean-Green manufacturing on the environmental, economic and social performance of organisations is also an aim of the study. The study further explores the inter-relationships between environmental, economic and social performance. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : Data was gathered from the Zimbabwean manufacturing industry, of which 302 valid responses were obtained and analysed through structural equation modelling using SMART PLS. FINDINGS : The results showed that both internal and external barriers impede organisations from improving economic, social and environmental performance measures, and hence, deserve attention. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The study concentrated on Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry; hence, the results may need further validation before they can be adopted by other countries and industries. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : Through analysing the impact of internal and external barriers on Lean-Green, organisations can understand which barriers greatly affect them and they can allocate resources accordingly to address them. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : Existing studies focused on identifying and ranking the barriers faced during Lean-Green implementation. This study identifies the Lean-Green barriers that are faced post-implementation and examines their relationship with Lean-Green Manufacturing and sustainable performance. Thus, outlining a clear picture of the extent to which these barriers hinder the attainment of sustainable development improvements.