Alignment between Green Supply Chain Management Strategy and Business Strategy

It is generally recognized that a company’s green supply chain management strategy is effective to the extent that it is aligned with business strategy. Prior research argues that green supply chain management strategy enhances organizational performance, and provides the company with a competitive advantage. However, identification of appropriate green supply chain management – business strategy alignments and their impact on business performance have received relatively little conceptual attention. Given a conceptualization of green supply chain management strategy through Simpson and Samson’s typology and business strategy through Miles and Snow’s typology, this paper: 1) develops a conceptual framework for aligning green supply chain management strategy with business strategy; 2) identifies from prior research, four green supply chain management strategies (risk-based, efficiency-based, innovation-based and closed-loop) that theoretically aligns with Miles and Snow’s strategic business types (reactors, defenders, analyzers and prospectors); and 3) identifies which green supply chain management – business strategic alignments impact business performance. Implications, conclusions, limitations and future research opportunities are discussed. Keywords: alignment; business strategy; green supply; chain management; sustainability; green procurement.