From pressure to performance: how institutional forces shape green supply chain practices and triple-bottom-line outcomes in emerging market SMEs

Purpose This study investigates how institutional pressures drive the adoption of green supply chain practices (GSCP) and influence the triple bottom line (TBL) performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in institutional theory, this research develops and empirically tests a conceptual model using survey data from Chinese SMEs analyzed via structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings Institutional pressures directly and strongly catalyze internal green integration but have no significant direct effect on external green synergy. Instead, internal integration is the primary driver of external collaboration. Crucially, while internal practices primarily enhance environmental performance, external green synergy is the key to achieving comprehensive gains across all three TBL dimensions (economic, social and environmental). Originality/value This study provides a nuanced, sequential understanding of GSCP adoption in SMEs, revealing that internal capability-building is a critical first step, but collaborative supply chain partnerships are essential for unlocking full sustainable performance. The findings offer a strategic roadmap for SME managers and policymakers, highlighting the need to move beyond compliance-focused internal measures to foster synergistic external relationships.