Abstract:
Despite contributing significantly to the economy of the country, the food and
beverage manufacturing firms face challenges in optimizing performance. The
purpose of this study was to examine the influence of green logistics practices on the
performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. Specifically, the
study examined the influence of reverse logistics, green warehousing, green packaging
and green distribution on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms
in Kenya. The study examined the moderating influence of absorptive capacity on the
relationship between green logistics practices and the performance of food and
beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. Theoretical framework was guided by the
complexity theory, ecological modernization theory, resource dependence theory and
natural resource-based view theory. The research utilized the positivism research
philosophy. A correlational cross-sectional survey research design was employed to
test non-causal relationships among study variables without controlling any of the
variables. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select
a sample size of 141 food and beverage manufacturing firms from a target population
of 217 food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. A pilot study was conducted
to determine the validity and reliability of the constructed survey questionnaire. A
cross-sectional survey approach was used for the collection of primary data. Data
processing was conducted prior to the data analysis. Data analysis utilized the
descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation results indicated that reverse
logistics, green warehousing, green packaging and green distribution had positive and
significant relationship with the performance of food and beverage manufacturing
firms in Kenya. The regression results indicated that reverse logistics, green
warehousing, green packaging and green distribution had positive and significant
influence on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The
regression results indicated that absorptive capacity had a positive and significant
moderating influence on the relationship between green logistics practices and the
performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in Kenya. The study
recommends that managers and practitioners should consider a holistic reassessment
and implementation of the green logistics to foster the performance of the food and
beverage manufacturing firms. The policymakers should consider initiating a review
of the existing policies to motivate the managers and practitioners to consider a holistic
reassessment and implementation of the green logistics to foster the performance of
the food and beverage manufacturing firms. Future research should examine the
influence of green logistics on firm performance with absorptive capacity as a
moderator in other sectors or contexts.
