The influence of lean manufacturing and green supply chain management on firm performance: the mediating role of supply chain resilience

Abstract This study examines the relationships between lean manufacturing, green supply chain management (GSCM), supply chain resilience (SCR), and firm performance in Thai manufacturing companies. Using data from 322 employees across various industries, the research employs co-variance-based structural equation modelling to test a series of hypotheses. The findings reveal that lean manufacturing has significant positive effects on both GSCM practices and firm performance. GSCM practices demonstrate a strong positive impact on SCR. However, contrary to expectations, the study finds no significant direct relationship between GSCM practices and firm performance, nor between SCR and firm performance. The hypothesized mediating roles of GSCM practices and SCR in the relationship between lean manufacturing and firm performance are not supported. These results suggest that while lean manufacturing and GSCM practices contribute to improved operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, their translation into enhanced financial performance may be more complex than previously thought. The study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence from the Thai manufacturing context and highlights the need for further research into how operational improvements in lean and green practices can be converted into tangible financial outcomes.