Green Supply Chain Management in SMEs: A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Operational Performance and Green Organizational Culture

This conceptual paper integrates the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) to propose a framework that connects Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices to economic performance in SMEs, with operational performance as a mediator and green organizational culture as a moderator. This study addresses a gap in existing research by theorizing the interaction between internal capabilities (operational efficiency) and external dependencies (green culture) in influencing economic outcomes, despite past studies focusing on the direct effects of GSCM. This study contends that in Nigeria’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, the mere adoption of GSCM is inadequate without the alignment of organizational culture and operational processes. The approach presents testable hypotheses for forthcoming empirical research and furnishes policymakers and SME managers with insights on using green practices for competitive advantage.