Corporate motives for multi-stakeholder collaboration– corporate social responsibility in the electronics supply chains

Abstract

The issue of “conflict minerals” has received global attention and various attempts have been made to resolve this issue. This qualitative study explored the multi-stakeholder collaboration approach for addressing complex corporate social responsibility issues in global supply chains, using the case of the electronics industry. Perceived corporate motives and challenges to engaging in multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue were explored based on empirical data obtained through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with management representatives for three case companies. The main motives expressed for participating in multi-stakeholder collaboration by representatives of the case companies were primarily linked to the complex nature of the conflict minerals problem and the fact that a diverse set of stakeholders is needed to achieve solutions. However, this diversity of stakeholders and perspectives also poses challenges for the case companies. Overall, the findings emphasise the importance of a collective approach when addressing complex social responsibility issues that reach beyond traditional company boundaries.