Enhancing firms’ environmental performance and financial performance through green supply chain management practices and institutional pressures

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how individual dimensions of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices affect firms’ financial performance directly and through environmental performance. Furthermore, the authors investigate the contingent role of institutional pressures on the direct link between GSCM practices and environmental performance and GSCM practices and financial performance. Design/methodology/approach Using a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 238 textile firms in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Hayes’ PROCESS macro was used to analyze the hypotheses. Findings The findings demonstrate that GSCM practices (green manufacturing, green purchasing, eco-design, cooperation with customers and green information systems) have a significant direct impact on firms’ financial performance directly and through environmental performance. Additionally, institutional pressures significantly moderate the nexus of GSCM practices-environmental performance and environmental performance-financial performance. Practical implications Textile firms should implement GSCM practices not just because of the pressure from regulatory bodies but also to elevate their environmental and financial performance. Government should also play its role in influencing the organizations for the adoption of GSCM practices, as its role is a significant one in preserving the environment. Social implications Because of less emission, energy usage and wastage, environmental performance will be increased, which affect the society positively. Originality/value Along with studying the GSCM practices in the textile industry of Pakistan, drawing upon the institutional theory, the contingent role of institutional pressures on two stages (first, between GSCM practices and environmental performance, and secondly, between GSCM practices and financial performance) is the novelty of this study.