Impact of information sharing and green information systems

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to theorize and assess a structural model that depicts the impact of an organization's capability to share information with supply chain partners through a focused green information system for the purpose of improving environmental performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 159 manufacturing managers and analyzed using a structural equation modeling methodology. Findings The general capability to share information with supply chain partners coupled with the specific capabilities of green information systems enhances environmental performance. Green information systems serve as a partial mediator to the relationship between supply chain information sharing and environmental performance. Research limitations/implications While environmental sustainability has implications for all categories of supply chain partners, the study sample focuses on the manufacturing sector only. Practical implications Evidence supports the need for manufacturers to develop information sharing and green information system capabilities to improve environmental performance. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to empirically assess the role of information systems in achieving environmental sustainability. The results of this investigation support the proposition that information sharing among supply chain partners is a key to achieving environmental sustainability.