구매자 관점에서 본 ESG활동이 사회적 자본을 매개로 공급사슬 성과에 미치는 영향: 중소 제조기업을 중심으로

Purpose – This study investigates how buyer-oriented ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities affect supply chain performance through social capital among Korean SMEs. It examines whether ESG practices enhance internal and external performance and how social capital mediates this relationship. Design/Methodology/Approach – Survey data were collected from 167 SMEs acting as buyers in supply chains. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzed the relationships among ESG factors, social capital dimensions, and supply chain performance, with mediation verified through confirmatory factor analysis and bootstrapping. Findings – Environmental and governance factors significantly improve external performance but not internal outcomes, while the social factor influences both. Structural and cognitive capital mediate ESG effects on performance, and relational capital mainly drives external results. These findings indicate that ESG initiatives primarily enhance buyer-supplier trust, reputation, and long-term relationship stability. In particular, the results confirm that the influence of ESG on supply chain outcomes occurs mainly through social capital as an indirect pathway, rather than through direct operational efficiency. Research Implications – The study identifies social capital as a key mechanism linking ESG and supply chain performance from a buyer perspective. ESG-driven collaboration enhances external resilience before internal gains emerge. SMEs should view ESG as a relational investment that builds sustainable supply chain capability.