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Leveraging closed‐loop orientation and leadership for environmental sustainability

C. Clifford Defee (Department of Aviation and Supply Chain Management, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA)
Terry Esper (Department of Marketing and Logistics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)
Diane Mollenkopf (Department of Marketing and Logistics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)

Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 1359-8546

Article publication date: 13 March 2009

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to develop a closed‐loop supply chain orientation as a strategic alternative available to supply chain organizations seeking competitive advantage in a setting that puts a premium on socially responsible decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature describing the concepts of supply chain orientation and supply chain leadership is used to develop a framework for achieving a competitive advantage.

Findings

Creating a closed‐loop supply chain orientation may be facilitated when the supply chain leader demonstrates a transformational leadership style, and when socially important environmental issues are present.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected concepts in a conceptual framework that sets a stage for future research in this area.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the strategic importance of developing a closed‐loop supply chain orientation in the presence of environmental factors, and a supply chain leadership style that may enhance the transformation to such an orientation.

Originality/value

The paper extends the strategic concept of supply chain orientation to include forward and reverse flows in a holistic, closed‐loop view of the supply chain.

Keywords

Citation

Clifford Defee, C., Esper, T. and Mollenkopf, D. (2009), "Leveraging closed‐loop orientation and leadership for environmental sustainability", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 87-98. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540910941957

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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