Supply chain followership: the case of Tetra Pak’s recyclers in China

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore an under-researched topic of supply chain followership (SCF) in the context of recycling chains.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a multiple case study approach, the authors conducted interviews with Tetra Pak senior managers and recyclers who recycle used beverage cartons (UBCs) in China.FindingsBased on the dimensions of critical thinking and active engagement, the authors classify SCF into four types. Focal companies could evaluate their suppliers’ behaviours and followership types to initiate corresponding strategies to better manage their relationships. In addition, the authors found SCF to be a dynamic concept, which can be constantly evaluated.Originality/valueThis study is one of the earliest efforts to empirically explore the concept of SCF. The paper extends the followership concept from an individual level to an organizational level in the recycling chain context and presents a useful concept of followership for companies seeking to manage their supply chain relationships.