From digitalization to sustainability: lean and agile supply chain management drive triple bottom line performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how lean supply chain management (LSCM) mediates the relationship between digital technology (DT) and agile supply chain management (ASCM). It also looks at how ASCM mediates the link between LSCM and the three elements of sustainable performance (SP) in Vietnam’s developing economy. Design/methodology/approach This study uses 258 Vietnamese business surveys to evaluate hypotheses using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The findings indicate that the impact of DT on ASCM is positively mediated by LSCM. In the meantime, it has been shown that LSCM has a significant effect on the environmental, economic and social pillars of SP. In addition, ASCM acts as a partial mediator in the connections between LSCM and the three SP components. Research limitations/implications Vietnamese supply chain managers can benefit from this study’s management implications on the mediating functions of LSCM in enabling DT to enhance ASCM, which enhances three SP components. In addition, it improves knowledge of DT, LSCM, ASCM and SP in the developing Vietnamese market. Originality/value Understanding how LSCM mediates the link between DT and ASCM for Vietnamese enterprises is the source of the original value. The investigation of ASCM’s mediating effects on the relationships between LSCM and the three SP components is the other unique feature. These contributions are of interest to academics and business professionals.