The influential capacity of carbon neutrality environmental orientation in modulating stakeholder engagement toward green manufacturing

In response to the urgency for carbon neutrality and the dwindling of natural resources, a global pivot toward green manufacturing (GM) is underway. This study scrutinizes the operationalization of GM, assessing the impact of stakeholder engagement (SE) on the adoption of such practices, with a carbon neutrality environmental orientation (EO) as a moderating factor. Initial steps of this investigation incorporated a comprehensive analysis of extant literature, elucidating the tripartite constructs of green manufacturing (GM), SE, and carbon neutrality EO. Guided by the tenets of the NRBV and stakeholder theory, a conceptual framework was constructed to theoretically interlink these constructs. Subsequently, a Q‐sort pilot study was employed to preliminarily test and ascertain the validity and reliability of the proposed measurement tools before their incorporation into a broader survey. Data from 374 completed questionnaires, by managerial personnel, were analyzed using structural equation modeling to confirm the hypotheses. Empirical results substantiate that SE positively influences GM. Additionally, a carbon neutrality orientation moderates the SE–GM relationship. These findings possess significant implications for policymakers and firms within the apparel industry. By revealing the prevailing strengths and potential shortcomings in the current implementation of GM, this study underscores the imperative of robust SE and a committed EO toward carbon neutrality. Such a commitment can facilitate a more systematic and efficient enhancement of the GM process, from its nascent stages through to its complete realization.