The double-edged impact of green supply chain collaboration on supplier greenwashing behavior: a perspective of supplier perception

Purpose This study aims to explore the suppliers’ greenwashing (GW) behavior induced by the implementation of green supply chain collaboration (GSCC) led by focal firm in the supply chain. Specifically, based on resource dependence theory and the dual process model, this paper delves into the double-edged effect of GSCC on supplier GW behavior. Design/methodology/approach Based on matched data collected from 245 focal firm-supplier dyads, this study tested hypotheses using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrap method. Findings There is a double-edged impact of GSCC on supplier GW behavior. Specifically, perceived supply chain value co-creation (PSCV) and perceived focal firm pressure (PFFP) mediate the relationship between GSCC and supplier GW behavior, with GSCC inhibiting GW through PSCV but promoting it through PFFP. Relational governance (RG) enhances the positive effect of GSCC on PSCV, while attenuating its positive effect on PFFP. RG reinforces the negative mediating effect of PSCV while weakening the positive mediating effect of PFFP. Research limitations/implications For the managers of focal firms, while actively promoting GSCC to achieve value co-creation, they also need to consider the pressure on suppliers and adapt RG to prevent their GW behavior. For policymakers, they need to leverage their strategic orchestration advantages and provide targeted policy incentives for supply chain actors to ensure the collaborative development of green supply chains. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the early studies to address GW behavior in supply chain field. This study reveals the mechanisms that induce suppliers’ GW by considering the pressure factors within supply chain, and enrich the research context of value co-creation to the relationship between focal firm and its suppliers. In addition, this study contributes to the RG literature by empirically validating the moderating role of RG on suppliers’ perception, thereby enhancing managerial implications for sustainable supply chain management.