Understanding the Role of Supplier Involvement in the Link Between IT Integration and Sustainable Supplier Management Practices

Zhigang Fan, Yewen Zhang, Mingu Kang and Haengcheol Lee ()
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Zhigang Fan: Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310000, China
Yewen Zhang: Alibaba Business School, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310000, China
Mingu Kang: Graduate School of Technology and Innovation Management, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
Haengcheol Lee: East Asian Research Institute, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310000, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: This study explores the impact of information technology (IT) integration and supplier participation on the management and enhancement of supplier sustainability performance, addressing a research gap in understanding how collaborative IT systems and supplier involvement jointly influence sustainable practices. By analyzing a global dataset of manufacturing firms, we employ a quantitative research methodology to test a conceptual model that examines these relationships. The findings demonstrate that IT integration with suppliers significantly fosters sustainable management practices, which subsequently improve suppliers’ sustainability performance. Furthermore, the study reveals that the effectiveness of IT integration is significantly enhanced when suppliers are actively involved, underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving sustainability outcomes. These insights contribute to the literature on supplier sustainability management by highlighting the synergistic role of IT and supplier engagement. Future research should explore the long-term effects of IT integration on sustainability performance across diverse industries, investigate the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence in supplier collaboration, and examine the impact of cultural and organizational differences on the effectiveness of IT-driven sustainability initiatives. This study provides practical guidance for manufacturers aiming to optimize their sustainability efforts through strategic IT integration and supplier involvement.

Keywords: IT integration with suppliers; supplier involvement; sustainable supplier management; supplier sustainability performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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