An AHP Framework to Evaluate Barriers and Potential Tensions to Green Supply Chain Management in the Food and Beverage Industry

Abstract

With an increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable processes, a growing number of studies have addressed green supply chain management (GSCM), its drivers, barriers, and implementation frameworks. However, despite the importance of environmental practices, industries are reluctant to implement GSCM activities, as many obstacles can arise while initiating GSCM in traditional supply chain management (TSCM). The previous literature review indicated substantial research on the barriers that hinder the adoption of green activities. To the best of our knowledge, no previous research has assessed the tensions and conflicts that may arise among collaborating actors, which can also hinder the adoption of environmental business practices. In particular, there is a notable gap in research that investigates the green- supply-chain issues in the Egyptian food and beverage manufacturing sector. In this paper, we went a step ahead to investigate these issues and to explore how GSCM barriers cause tensions among collaborating actors. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers and tensions that impede the implementation of GSCM in the Egyptian food and beverage industry (FBI). In our methodology, we targeted three large food and beverage multinational companies located in Egypt. Barriers and types of tensions were identified through the literature review. Data collection consisted of three phases. For the primary source of data, a qualitative method was utilized for semi-structured interviews, followed by a questionnaire survey. Furthermore, a decision group was formed to collect and validate the data. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), this study categorised the identified barriers based on the relevant type of tension and explored how such barriers can create tension among various stakeholders. Thirty-nine barriers and 11 types of tension were identified through the literature review and discussion with experts. Of the total number of identified barriers, 18 were identified as common. Based on the AHP results, the category of economic tensions had the most importance. The barrier related to inflation and the currency exchange rate was the most significant among the 18 barriers and was the main driver of economic tensions. Our findings suggest that the economic instability of countries can affect the implementation of GSCM. This is the first study that combines barriers and tensions among stakeholders as impediments toward adopting green environmental practices. This study provides a new approach to the literature, giving insight into the tensions that could delay or prevent the adoption of green business activities, an approach that could be a scientific breakthrough for upcoming studies. Finally, this study can help the Egyptian FBI to identify the main issues that could hinder the transition from TSCM to GSCM. Keywords: Green supply chain management; analytical hierarchy process; barrier analysis; tensions; food and beverage industry DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-6-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2021