Green supply chain management practices: review, framework and future research directions

Purpose This study has a threefold objective: (1) to review the existing literature on the drivers of green logistics practices (GLPs); (2) to propose a conceptual framework for the effective implementation of green logistics practices; and (3) to provide strategic directions for advancing green logistics scholarship. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature and grounded in social learning theory, this study develops a framework positioning supply chain ethical leadership (SCEL) as a foundational antecedent for the development of green core competencies (GCC). These competencies, in turn, serve as a critical enabler for the successful adoption and implementation of GLPs. Findings The review revealed an increasing body of GLPs literature particularly from China. The authors found heavy reliance of previous scholars on resource-advantage, organizational and system theories, with most studies using cross-sectional designs and quantitative methods. Using the Antecedent-Decision-Outcomes (ADO) framework, the review identified 14 antecedents (eight internal and six external factors), four key decisions that facilitate GLPs acceleration and five major outcomes encompassing business performance, supply chain sustainability, supply chain performance, logistics performance and green performance. Based on the gaps identified, the paper proposes that SCEL plays a crucial role in the development of GCC within firms. These competencies, which include specialized knowledge, skills and resources related to environmental management, emerge as strategic capabilities that could empower organizations to adopt and implement GLPs effectively. The paper proposes a framework underscore the interplay between leadership, competencies and operational strategies in driving sustainability initiatives within logistics management. Research limitations/implications The proposed model is only conceptual and hence requires empirical validation. Practical implications This study offers actionable insights for practitioners and stakeholders in the logistics sector by providing a contemporary perspective on promoting responsible production and consumption. By emphasizing the interdisciplinary intersections of leadership, competencies and sustainability, the proposed framework can guide organizations toward aligning their practices with global sustainability goals. However, as the proposed model is conceptual, it necessitates empirical validation through further research to substantiate its applicability across diverse contexts. Originality/value This study bridges a critical knowledge gap by positioning SCEL and GCC as complementary strategies to enhance green logistics practices. It contributes to the theoretical advancement of social learning theory by extending its application to the domain of sustainable logistics management. Additionally, the research highlights the mediating role of GCC in the relationship between SCEL and green logistics practices, an area that has received limited attention in prior studies. By integrating leadership and competencies, this study provides a novel perspective on fostering sustainability in logistics operations, adding significant value to both academic discourse and practical applications.