EFQM model, green supply chain management and eco-innovation: an exploratory analysis

Purpose This study aims to analyse the complementarity between quality management and Eco-innovation within the supply chain. It studies how the implementation of the 2020 version of the model of excellence of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) may foster the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management practices and Eco-innovation that ultimately will contribute to better business performance. Design/methodology/approach Data from 264 Spanish industrial companies with more than 100 employees were got using a structured questionnaire. These data were analysed using Partial Least Squares to test hypotheses. Findings Results show that the implementation of the EFQM model favours the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management and Eco-innovation and that Green Supply Management also has a positive effect on Eco-innovation. Data also indicate that the EFQM model and Eco-innovation have a positive direct effect on business results. Moreover, Green Supply Chain Management has an indirect effect on business results through its relationship with Eco-innovation. Research limitations/implications This study presents two typical limitations of research done using questionnaires: its cross-sectional design and that the scales employed in the survey are only measured from the managers’ point of view. Originality/value These results constitute a first indicator of the positive effect of the EFQM model on management approaches that have environmental protection as a fundamental element. In addition, because the new version of the EFQM model is very recent (2020), this research is one of the first to explore its real impact on organizational performance.