Sequential mediating effects of sustainability efforts on sustainable supply chain performance: moderating role of big data expertise

Purpose This paper aims to examine the sequential mediating effects of sustainability efforts (SE) on sustainable supply chain performance (SP) in the emerging economy of Vietnam. Besides, it examines the moderation of expertise in big data analytics (BDE) in the association between social sustainability efforts (So-SE) and SP. Design/methodology/approach This research tests hypotheses using partial least squares structural equation modeling using 372 Vietnamese business surveys. Findings The results show that the linkage of environmental sustainability efforts (En-SE) and SP is successively mediated by supplier sustainability efforts (Su-SE) and So-SE. Furthermore, BDE positively moderates the effect of So-SE on SP. Research limitations/implications This study has managerial implications for Vietnamese supply chain managers regarding the sequential mediation of SEs and the moderation of BDE in improving SP. It also enhances the understanding of SE, BDE and SP in the emerging market of Vietnam. Originality/value The original value is derived from the comprehension of the impact of sequential mediation of SEs on SP for firms in Vietnam. The inclusion of a recently discovered mechanism that illustrates the moderation of BDE in the relationship between So-SE and SP further emphasizes this point. These contributions are of interest to academics and business professionals.