The role of sustainability practices in international port operations An analysis of moderation effect

Abstract

Purpose - With increasing attention to sustainability in port operations, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of sustainability practice (SP) as a moderator on the relationships between competitiveness and performance in port operations. Design/methodology/approach - To explore the specific route of SPs in managing competitiveness and performance, this study adopted the hierarchical moderated regression analysis. Additionally, to analyze the difference in the level of implementation of SP, alternative subgroup analysis was conducted via independent sample t-tests in SPSS 21. Findings - Research results have shown the role of SPs in achieving outstanding port activities, which significantly moderates the relationship between competitiveness, particularly for operational efficiency and service quality, and performance. Originality/value - Drawing on multiple theories, this study advances the role of SP by shedding new light on how it improves operational sustainability through strengthening the relationships between competitiveness and performance.