Purpose This research investigates the relationships between sustainable supply chain practices (SSCPs), governance quality, performance metrics and the sustainable performance of medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (MSMEs) in an emerging economy, mainly Ghana. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional quantitative research administered closed-ended questionnaires to obtain 255 valid datasets from owner-managers of Ghanaian MSMEs. Kendal's W and PLS-SEM analytical tools were employed for data analysis. Findings We established a significantly high degree of concordance of SSCPs among MSMEs. Also, SSCPs positively affect sustainable performance, while governance quality and performance metrics have a positive influence on SSCPs. However, these factors do not significantly moderate SSCPs and MSMEs’ sustainable performance. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional research was restricted to Ghana's manufacturing MSMEs. It also follows positivism, relying on quantitative and explanatory design processes. Despite these limitations, our findings imply that SSCPs improve MSMEs’ sustainable performance in economies such as Ghana. Practical implications We encourage existing and prospective MSMEs to adopt and invest in relevant SSCPs and extend them to major suppliers, buyers and other actors. Strong regulatory structures within firms’ supply chains can improve sustainable performance. However, without well-defined sustainability performance metrics, firms cannot fully track the impact of SSCPs. Therefore, when firms’ governance quality supports sustainability, and use the right performance metrics, SSCPs do not just remain symbolic but could translate into a competitive advantage in developing economies. Originality/value We contribute to sustainability and performance management literature by providing empirical and theoretical evidence to existing and prospective sustainable supply chain managers/practitioners. The findings will further support policy and managerial decisions regarding SSCPs, governance quality, performance metrics and sustainable performance among MSMEs in developing economies.
Nyamah et al. (Sat,) studied this question.