Social responsible supply chain and packaging strategy: a conceptual framework

Abstract

This paper provides a framework by developing a conceptual model of socially responsible supply chain-based orientation (SRSC) and the incorporation of this orientation to the socially responsible packaging. Strategic alliance in the form of inter-firm and supply chain relationships are highlighted in this paper. By reviewing the literature in SCM, packaging, marketing, strategic alliances and CSR, appropriate constructs and related scale items were identified. Then, a panel of experts from academia and industry were consulted due to further improvements of the design of the study. To this point, resources and capabilities as driving factors have been largely left unexplored and the effect of these forces on socially responsible supply chain-based orientation, packaging and competitive advantage are brought to surface as further fruitful perspectives for future research. This research mainly assists industrial managers to better steer their supply chain management and packaging decisions in order to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.