Drivers and outcomes of sustainable export marketing strategies in international environments

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between market-oriented environmental sustainability (MES) and green export-related resources and capabilities, analyzes the impact of these resources and capabilities on the eco-friendly export marketing strategy and assess the influence of such strategy on export performance. Design/methodology/approachThis study uses survey data from 241 manufacturing export firms analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. FindingsThe results show a positive influence of MES on green export-related resources and capabilities. Further, while green export-related capabilities directly affect eco-friendly export marketing strategy, resources only influence it indirectly through capabilities. The results also show that the adoption of an eco-friendly export marketing strategy contributes to firm's export performance. Originality/valueThis study makes an important contribution to sustainability and exporting literature by evaluating the behavior of firms in terms of MES and eco-friendly export marketing strategy.