Gender diversity in supply chains: towards more sustainable decisions? evidence from interviews

Abstract

ABSTRACT Gender diversity (GD) has become an open topic of discussion, with a focus on gender gaps in terms of salary and access to education. There has been little research highlighting the active role women may play in sustainable decision making. This study addresses this gap by considering the case of supply chain management (SCM), a function mostly led by men and where several unsustainable issues prevail. It focuses on determining whether GD has an impact on sustainability-related decisions made in SCM. An exploratory and qualitative approach was taken to look at managerial, operational and hybrid skills and practices. The findings reveal three main opinion groups and show that GD would bring softer skills such as empathy at the managerial level, or more socially responsible supplier selection at the operational level. More GD in SCM would improve social relations, communication, compliance and health and safety issues. This study contributes to filling the gap on the social dimension of sustainability.