Drawing from social exchange theory, this paper proposes and empirically examines organizational citizenship behavior as a possible mechanism to explain the association between suppliers’ socially responsible behavior and organizational performance. Data were collected from companies in the apparel supply chain in Pakistan, a developing country. Findings show that social responsibility standards have a positive impact on organizational citizenship behavior which in turn positively impacts operational and quality performance. Further, a mediation relationship is shown. This research informs practitioners that social responsibility initiatives instigate deep-rooted changes promoting social-friendly behaviors impacting firm performance. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

This paper examines the role played by environmental issues in manufacturing planning. Using exploratory field research, this study highlights case studies of eight manufacturing companies. Initial findings suggest that environmental issues should be addressed at strategic and tactical levels of the firm such as aggregate planning and master production scheduling.

This study focuses on assessing management's perceptions of Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing and the Environmental Management System (EMS) - the formal corporate system often held responsible for implementing ERM. This focus on management is needed given the importance of management support to any corporate-wide undertaking. The findings show that under certain conditions, which are widely applicable, there is a general lack of agreement between the various managerial levels about the EMS and its effects. Furthermore, top management, in several cases, does not have a very positive view of EMS and ERM. The result is the emergence of a potential obstacle to the widespread acceptance of ERM and EMS.

Formally adopted in 1996 by the International Organization of Standardization, ISO 14000 represents a new voluntary international environmental standard which will likely be adopted by the vast majority of corporations. While the literature is clearly divided in its assessment of ISO 14000, an underlying common theme is that the decision to achieve ISO 14000 certification constitutes a major undertaking for most firms. Such an undertaking, it is argued, does not take place in a vacuum. Rather, it is a response to a number of factors or influences. However, no research to date has empirically identified these factors and explained how they can be leveraged into a competitive advantage. In this article, we use qualitative case studies to identify which factors affect the decision to attain ISO 14000 certification and we also explain how these factors can influence the level of success achieved during the certification process.

Given the increasing consolidation in the U.S. meat industry, smaller and specialty producers often have difficulty breaking into the market in profitable volumes. This paper examines three cooperative models for specialty beef producers. We offer a realistic examination of the potential for success of each model. Based on this, we identify the key attributes for a new model and offer guidance for future research efforts.

Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in the research literature regarding how environmental practices (EPs) can improve firm performance. According to Rondinelli and Vastag (1995), firms may have been reacting to an increasingly difficult regulatory environment or responding to market pressure. Either way, the responses of firms to environmental pressures has led to practices that impact profitability. Currently, more firms are trying to understand the benefits of a proactive approach to environmental policies. Some firms may be motivated to become environmentally proactive since it could lead to more efficient use of resources and improve corporate image. Despite this intuitive argument, many firms are reluctant to take a more aggressive and proactive approach to EPs, due to a dearth of evidence that benefits exceed the costs of pursuing these initiatives. This attitude is attested to by the relatively low number of ISO 14000 certifications that have been issued to U.S. firms (NIST 1998, ISO 2001).

Manufacturing organizations are renovating their factories to become increasingly competitive in global markets. With this renovation they are focusing their attention on innovative programs. Since managerial time is limited, the increase in attention to these programs means less emphasis on traditional manufacturing planning and control systems. The research question asked by this study is: How effective are traditional manufacturing planning and control systems for increasing factory competitiveness?

Global environmental regulations specific to the production and disposal of electronics present a host of information challenges to manufacturers, distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and more specifically to management systems. Within the last year, companies such as Intel have developed country specific recycling and producer responsibility information systems for Germany, Austria, Norway, and Switzerland.

The research reported in this paper develops a framework for environmental management practices (EMPs). Specifically, EMPs are grouped into the formal systems that integrate environmental procedures and processes that relate to the operational, tactical and strategic levels of a firm. Content analysis of the environmental reports of 45 multinational firms reveals the validity of the proposed EMP framework. The results of this qualitative study suggest many firms are emphasising a subset of practices at strategic and operational levels but tactical practices remain underutilised. The conceptual framework and results of this study can be used to develop measurement scales to guide additional research and to develop theory in the area of environmental management.

The research reported in this paper explicates environmental management practices more comprehensively than has been attempted previously. Environmental management practices are grouped into those that relate to operational, tactical and strategic levels of a firm. While these firms engage in many environmental practices to varying degrees, the results of this study suggest many firms are emphasizing a subset of practices at the operational and strategic levels. The conceptual framework and results of this study can be used to develop measurement scales to guide additional research in this area.