Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to aid theory building, the use of decision theory (DT) concepts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research is examined. Design/methodology/approach – An abductive approach considers two DT concepts, Snowden’s Cynefin framework for sense-making and Keeney’s value-focussed decision analysis, in a systematic literature review of 160 peer-reviewed papers in English. Findings – Around 60 per cent of the papers on decision-making in SSCM come from operational research (OR), which makes explicit use of DT. These are almost all normative and rationalist and focussed on structured decision contexts. Some exceptions seek to address unstructured decision contexts via Complex Adaptive Systems or Soft Systems Methodology. Meanwhile, a second set, around 16 per cent, comes from business ethics and are empirical, behavioural decision research. Although this set does not explicitly refer to DT, the empirical evidence here supports Keeney’s value-focussed analysis. Research limitations/implications – There is potential for theory building in SSCM using DT, but the research only addresses SSCM research (including corporate responsibility and ethics) and not DT in SCM or wider sustainable development research. Practical implications – Use of particular decision analysis methods for SSCM may be improved by better understanding different decision contexts. Social implications – The research shows potential synthesis with ethical DT absent from DT and SCM research. Originality/value – Empirical behavioural decision analysis for SSCM is considered alongside normative, rational analysis for the first time. Value-focussed DT appears useful for unstructured decision contexts found in SSCM. Originality/value – Empirical, behavioural decision analysis for SSCM is considered alongside normative rational analysis for the first time. Value-focussed DT appears useful for unstructured decision contexts found in SSCM.
Highlights
This study aims to aid theory building, the use of decision theory (DT) concepts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research is examined
As shown by Hassini et al (2012), a wide range of social and environmental metrics are used by organisations, reflecting the breadth of topics sustainability can encompass in different organisations
While the operational research (OR) branch is an established sub-discipline of DT, and extensively used in SSCM, the business ethics branch is underdeveloped
Summary
This study aims to aid theory building, the use of decision theory (DT) concepts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) research is examined. Findings – Around 60 per cent of the papers on decision-making in SSCM come from operational research (OR), which makes explicit use of DT. These are almost all normative and rationalist and focussed on structured decision contexts. A second set, around 16 per cent, comes from business ethics and are empirical, behavioural decision research This set does not explicitly refer to DT, the empirical evidence here supports Keeney’s value-focussed analysis. Sustainable supply chain management Anthony Alexander, Helen Walker and Mohamed Naim and operational terms, both internally and externally, are important considerations for implementing SSCM.
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