Integrating sustainability in supply chain management: Exploring the impact of sustainable practices on organizational sustainability within manufacturing companies in Sierra Leone

This study examines the integration of sustainability within Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices in Sierra Leone, focusing on the role of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) as a critical framework. Employing a quantitative research design, the research investigates how SCM practices influence Organizational Sustainability (OS) through Supply Chain Efficiency and Integration (SCEI) as a mediating factor. Drawing on survey data from five manufacturing companies, structural equation modeling (SEM) validates the hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal that effective SCM practices positively impact OS, with SCEI partially mediating this relationship, indicating that efficient and integrated supply chains enhance sustainability outcomes. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of collaboration across the supply chain, suggesting that firms that align sustainability initiatives with operational practices are better positioned to achieve both economic and environmental benefits. The study contributes theoretically by bridging the gap between SCM and sustainability literature, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to SSCM. Practically, the results suggest that organizations in Sierra Leone should adopt integrated SCM practices to enhance sustainability and resilience in their operations. Future research should explore the applicability of these findings across different sectors and regions, as well as the long-term impacts of integrated sustainability practices on organizational performance.