Toward sustainable development: The triple nexus for enhanced supply chain performance through information technology, resilience, and sustainability integration

Abstract

The dynamic interaction between supply chain resilience (SCR) and sustainability has become a crucial area of study in the evolving business landscape. While research has made strides in connecting information technology (IT) and SCR, a gap remains in understanding how sustainability dimensions integrate into these aspects, particularly in socio-economically and environmentally challenged countries. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how IT and SCR contribute to enhancing overall supply chain performance, with a specific focus on the role of social (SS), environmental (ENS), and economic (ECS) sustainability dimensions. To achieve this, we formulated hypotheses that were tested using structural equation modeling, based on data from a sample of 321 apparel enterprises in Bangladesh. The findings reveal that IT significantly enhances resilience, while SCR does not directly improve supply chain performance when sustainability dimensions are considered. However, SCR positively influences all dimensions of sustainability, underscoring the importance of the combined strength of IT and SCR for achieving enduring sustainability in an uncertain world. Moreover, the results show that the triad of sustainability (SS, ENS, and ECS) fully mediates the relationship between resilience and supply chain performance, serving as the linchpin that binds and strengthens these elements. This research advances the understanding of the interplay between IT, resilience, and sustainability, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and sustainability professionals. Moreover, by integrating sustainability into IT and resilience strategies, organizations can enhance their supply chain performance and ensure long-term success.