A maturity stage model to explore repercussions of green manufacturing for manufacturing strategy decision areas

Purpose: The researchers maintain that when a firm tackles “green concerns,” there could be several repercussions for manufacturing strategy decision areas (MS DAs). However, such repercussions are complex and have not been widely researched. This paper aims to propose a conceptual maturity stage model to study the configuration of MS DAs. Design/methodology/approach: Firms exhibit different levels of “green” maturity in their journey and tend to make different choices in green technologies (GTs), resulting thereby in other compatible choices in their MS DAs. Extant literature has been synthesized in this light to build a conceptual maturity stage model in two steps. First, what is the GT that is involved! The second step discusses the possible implications of such a GT for MS DAs. Further, such information is organized according to a firm’s four maturity stages for all GTs that may be applicable. A case study has been undertaken to illustrate the model. Findings: The results show good potential for the proposed conceptual model to examine the repercussions of MS DAs in industrial cases, and thereby develop relevant theories on this subject. Research limitations/implications: The proposed model was applied to a paint manufacturing company, which potentially limits the findings’ generalizability to other industries and/or geographies. Practical implications: The proposed conceptual model can help managers assess the maturity stages of manufacturing to determine suitable adjustments that may be required in configuring MS DAs to improve their positions. Originality/value: This is among the very few models to explore the repercussions of green manufacturing for MS DAs according to the four-stage maturity model.