An Empirical Literature-Based Cluster Analysis of Sustainability Practices and Their Performance Impacts in Supply Chains

This study employs cluster analysis to examine how sustainable supply chain (SSC) practices influence performance outcomes addressing the fragmented understanding in prior reviews. Based on 78 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2021 the analysis investigates how different practices relate to performance dimensions. The two-step cluster analysis yielded two configurations: Cluster 1 linked environmental practices to positive economic outcomes while Cluster 2 linked social practices to positive economic outcomes. Although clustering quality was modest thematic analysis extended these findings by revealing broader but uneven associations. Environmental practices such as eco-design and cleaner production consistently supported both economic and environmental performance while reverse logistics and green procurement produced more variable effects. Social practices produced more fragmented effects: supplier development sometimes enhanced efficiency but labour rights and community initiatives were tied more to legitimacy and reputation than to measurable economic gains. Operational practices also surfaced in Cluster 2 contributing primarily to operational and social outcomes. These results highlight the uneven maturity of SSCM research: environmental practices are more consistently theorized and empirically validated whereas social and operational practices remain less systematic and context-dependent. The study further clarifies how theoretical frameworks map onto these findings with capability-oriented lenses (RBV, NRBV, dynamic capabilities) explaining internal resource advantages and adoption-oriented lenses (Institutional, Stakeholder, Legitimacy) capturing external pressures and legitimacy concerns. By moving beyond descriptive reviews to provide a cluster-based and thematic synthesis this study deepens theoretical understanding and offers actionable insights for scholars, practitioners and policymakers seeking to advance sustainable supply chain management.