Abstract
•Examines linkages among supplier’s social responsibility standards and performance.•Data of 164 suppliers from supply chains of global brands in a developing country.•The standards impact firm performance through organizational citizenship behavior.•Public and private standards affect operational and quality performance differently.•Social responsibility standards create value for suppliers, employees, and buyers.
Drawing from social exchange theory, this paper proposes and empirically examines organizational citizenship behavior as a possible mechanism to explain the association between suppliers’ socially responsible behavior and organizational performance. Data were collected from companies in the apparel supply chain in Pakistan, a developing country. Findings show that social responsibility standards have a positive impact on organizational citizenship behavior which in turn positively impacts operational and quality performance. Further, a mediation relationship is shown. This research informs practitioners that social responsibility initiatives instigate deep-rooted changes promoting social-friendly behaviors impacting firm performance. Suggestions for future research are discussed.