The nexus of artificial intelligence and sustainability performance: Unveiling the impact of supply chain transparency and customer pressure on ethical conduct.
Journal:
Journal of environmental management
Published Date:
Mar 6, 2025
Abstract
Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Stakeholder Theory, this study tests construct relationships that bring about means of improving corporate sustainability performance (CSP) via artificial intelligence (AI) technology and accountable socio-environmental practices related to supply chain transparency (SCTrans). It also considers customer pressure for ethical conduct (CPEC). This research hinges on data from 204 French manufacturing firms, which were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis. It shows that AI is a relevant technology to the RBV, because AI is able to act as a source of competitive advantage by improving both SCTrans and CSP. This research also shows that CPEC is an important contextual factor strengthening linkages between AI, SCTrans and CSP. Some unexpected results of the statistical analyses were also found and discussed. This work offers specific insights on the relationships among AI, SCTrans, CSP, and CPEC that guide the pursuit of more sustainable and transparent supply chains.