Relationship between lean, agile, resilient and green paradigm and sustainable supply chain performance: an empirical investigation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between the lean, agile, resilient and green (LARG) paradigm, critical success factors (CSFs) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) in a manufacturing context by suggesting a new measurement scale based on the literature review. Grounded in the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities (DC) perspectives, it seeks to answer four research questions: the effect of the LARG paradigm on SSCP, the identification and impact of CSFs on SSCP, the direct effect of CSFs on LARG paradigm and the mediating role of the LARG paradigm between CSFs and SSCP. Design/methodology/approach A second-order hierarchical framework integrates LARG and CSFs. A literature review and expert interviews informed a measurement model validated via a survey of 112 Iranian manufacturing supply chain managers. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) tested hypotheses, with non-response bias and common method bias ensuring robustness. Findings The analyses revealed significant relationships between the LARG paradigm, CSFs and SSCP. The LARG paradigm also acted as a partial mediator in the relationship between CSFs and SSCP. The findings highlight the combined effect of the LARG paradigm and CSFs in enhancing economic, environmental and social performance in supply chains. Originality/value This study contributes by proposing a novel integrative approach to SSCP, offering a comprehensive measurement model and empirically demonstrating LARG’s partially mediating role between CSFs and SSCP. It provides the first empirical assessment of these constructs in the manufacturing sector, introduces a validated measurement tool for future research and industry managers and bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications for aligning supply chain strategies with sustainability goals. It informs organizations to adopt introduced practices to strengthen sustainable supply chain outcomes and assess their sustainable performance.