Responsible Supply Chain Research Articles

Sustainability in global industrial shipping chains: a positivist perspective of international relations

Supply chain sustainability has become a critical topic in management studies. It involves reevaluating performance and logistics practices by incorporating an increasing number of stakeholders to create a more socially and environmentally responsible supply chain. However, supply chain sustainability is not solely a business concern; it is also managed by public authorities at both national and supranational levels. While most research in supply chain management is traditionally guided by theories such as stakeholder theory and resource- and capability-based views, this paper offers a discussion on supply chain sustainability from the perspective of International Relations, specifically through realist and liberalist lenses. The paper concludes by highlighting the contributions of this approach and identifying potential areas for future research.

Blockchain-based food traceability system and pro-environmental consumption: A moderated mediation model of technology anxiety and trust in organic food product

Blockchain technology is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for enhancing clarity and responsibility in the organic food supply chain, where concerns about product authenticity and safety are paramount. By offering provable and translucent information about the origination, production processes, and administration of organic items, blockchain helps to reduce information asymmetry and builds consumer trust, which is critical for purchase decisions in the organic food market. Drawing on insights from the trust theory and the stimulus-organism-response framework, this study uses a moderated mediation model to explore how technology anxiety negatively moderates the direct and indirect influences of blockchain-based food traceability systems on trust in organic food products and organic food purchase intention. Using a targeted sample of 5326 consumers in Vietnam, the PROCESS macro approach (models 8 and 4) is utilized to examine the formulated hypotheses. The results demonstrate that blockchain-based food traceability systems notably enhance consumer trust in organic food products and their intention to buy these products. Trust in organic food products serves as a mediator in the connection between blockchain-based traceability and purchase intention, while technology anxiety weakens the positive impacts of blockchain technology on trust and purchase intention when anxiety levels are high. This research makes crucial contributions to the literature by offering a mechanism-based explanation of how blockchain technology enhances consumer trust in organic food products and integrates technological anxiety as a moderator, providing a deeper understanding of how technological innovations shape consumer behavior. In light of the findings, several critical recommendations have been proposed for practitioners and policymakers.

The effect of social responsibility on supplier continuity after disruptions: An experiment with purchasing professionals

Although emotions can affect the decision-making process of purchasing professionals, limited attention has been dedicated to how they shape the decision to maintain the relationship with suppliers when the latter behave in a socially irresponsible way. Considering this gap, we build on Appraisal Theory to analyze how guilt and trust affect the decision to continue working with a socially irresponsible supplier when a disruption occurs. We conducted a scenario-based experiment with 148 buyers, in which we simulated an extraordinary situation, and then analyzed the data using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that when a supplier is not socially responsible, buyers experience a feeling of guilt and trust them less, which has a negative impact on their decision to continue working with that supplier. The study also found that the effect of the guilt experienced by the purchasing professional is heightened when the purchased item is strategic. This study highlights the importance of paying attention to purchasers' emotional experiences with suppliers' practices during challenging times, as these can shape buyer-supplier relationships in socially responsible supply chains, select sustainable suppliers, and engage in socially responsible purchasing.

Analysis of the drivers and barriers influencing artificial intelligence for tackling climate change challenges

PurposeFacilities management (FM) organizations are pivotal in enhancing the resilience of buildings against climate change impacts. While existing research delves into the adoption of digital technologies by FM organizations, there exists a gap regarding the specific utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to address climate challenges. This study aims to investigate the drivers and barriers influencing the adoption and utilization of AI by South African FM organizations in mitigating climate change challenges.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses on South Africa, a developing nation grappling with climate change’s ramifications on its infrastructure. Through a combination of systematic literature review and an online questionnaire survey, data was collected from representatives of 85 professionally registered FM organizations in South Africa. Analysis methods employed include content analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Total Interpretative Structural Modeling (TISM).FindingsThe findings reveal that regulatory compliance and a responsible supply chain serve as critical drivers for AI adoption among South African FM organizations. Conversely, policy constraints and South Africa’s energy crisis emerge as major barriers to AI adoption in combating climate change challenges within the FM sector.Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing knowledge by bridging the gap in understanding how AI technologies are utilized by FM organizations to address climate challenges, particularly in the context of a developing nation like South Africa. The research findings aim to inform policymakers on fostering a conducive environment for FM organizations to harness AI in fostering climate resilience in built assets.

Navigating barriers to reverse logistics adoption in circular economy: An integrated approach for sustainable development

Achievement of sustainability goals is an epic task for developing economies that still strive to fulfil their basic needs. The availability of limited resources in the developing world vis-à-vis the ever-increasing demand poses further challenges to developing economies willing to transition into circular economies. Reverse logistics (RL) can facilitate this transition towards a circular economy (CE) by maximising resource utilisation and minimising waste, contributing to sustainability goals. This paper contributes to emerging literature by analysing the development and comprehensive potential of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool. It explores the significant barriers to the adoption of reverse logistics towards a circular economy, considering long-term sustainability. In the first phase, thirteen barriers have been identified from the past academic literature. Three barriers with a defuzzification number less than the threshold limit are excluded, and the final ten barriers are then prioritised using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The findings suggest that a lack of strategic plans for returns is crucial for RL adoption towards a circular economy, followed by a lack of visibility for recycling/reuse. Organisations can increase customer satisfaction, promote environmental sustainability, and gain a competitive edge in the market by creating a strategic plan for reverse logistics. Organisations may lower costs and contribute to a more sustainable and ecologically responsible supply chain by improving visibility across the reverse logistics process. The results serve as a framework for decision-making in RL towards sustainable development. Managers and policymakers can formulate more robust and realistic decisions that align with “maximising profits,” “saving the planet,” “social concerns,” and, most importantly, “consumer concerns” in the circular economy ecosystem. Several implications are derived, leading to increased competitiveness and resilient business strategies. The novelty of this work lies in the identification of barriers to reverse logistics adoption towards a circular economy using an integrated fuzzy Delphi-DEMATEL approach, considering long-term sustainability. This approach is studied for the first time in a developing economy context, proposing social, economic, and environmental effects and actions to be taken by organisations for sustainable development.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability in Water Supply: A Systematic Review

Although access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, millions of people around the world lack this essential resource. Through their CSR initiatives, companies are promoting responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the appropriate use and management of water resources. Using a systematic review and PRISMA framework, this study examined the impact of CSR initiatives on sustainable water supply. A total of 108 articles were identified, and 33 were subjected to further reviews and analysis. This study found that CSR initiatives contribute to sustainable water supply through water conservation, water stewardship, responsible supply chains, and various educational and training initiatives. This study found that CSR initiatives have been effective in transforming behaviors and converting millions of people around the world into water activists. Corporations are also leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency in their operations and minimize excessive water waste. This study also found that corporations must build responsible business practices through ethical, economic, and environmental responsibility. Although CSR initiatives can be too costly for many organizations, businesses can reduce costs through strategic partnerships and leveraging technological innovations to promote water conservation and hygiene.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS: BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS WITH OPERATIONAL RESILIENCE

This paper explores the delicate balance between sustainability and risk management in the shipping and logistics industry, addressing the escalating environmental concerns while ensuring operational resilience. Investigating the adoption of sustainable practices, alternative fuels, and eco-friendly technologies, the study examines regulatory frameworks and industry initiatives shaping sustainable development. Simultaneously, it delves into the risks associated with these changes, including financial, operational, and regulatory dimensions. The research also scrutinizes risk management strategies, encompassing proactive measures to mitigate environmental impact, compliance with evolving regulations, and the implementation of resilient operational frameworks. Through a comprehensive synthesis of academic literature, case studies, and industry insights, the paper contributes to understanding how sustainability efforts can align with robust risk management, offering valuable guidance for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academics navigating the complex landscape of environmental responsibility and operational resilience in the global supply chain.
 Keywords: Sustainability, Risk Management, Shipping Logistics, Environmental Operational, Resilience.

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIONS IN THE USA AND AFRICA

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable supply chain practices, focusing on innovative initiatives in both the United States (USA) and Africa. As the global community grapples with environmental challenges and seeks to create a more sustainable future, the supply chain industry plays a pivotal role in driving positive change. This review explores key sustainable supply chain practices, shedding light on the distinctive approaches taken by businesses in the USA and Africa. In the USA, sustainable supply chain practices are characterized by a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly logistics strategies, such as the use of renewable energy in transportation and distribution networks. The integration of advanced technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices and blockchain, is facilitating transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, ensuring that sustainable practices are upheld from production to delivery. In contrast, Africa presents a unique landscape where sustainable supply chain practices are often influenced by socio-economic factors, resource constraints, and the need for inclusive development. Initiatives in Africa focus on promoting local sourcing, community engagement, and fair trade practices. Innovative approaches include the use of alternative and locally sourced materials, as well as the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, collaboration between businesses and local communities plays a significant role in fostering sustainable practices and creating a positive impact on the social and environmental aspects of the supply chain. This review also highlights challenges faced by both regions, such as regulatory frameworks, infrastructure limitations, and the need for capacity building. Despite these challenges, the growing recognition of sustainability as a critical business imperative is driving a paradigm shift in supply chain practices. This review contributes to the understanding of sustainable supply chain practices by examining innovations in both the USA and Africa. By identifying commonalities and distinctions, it offers insights that can inform global strategies for building resilient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible supply chains in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
 Keywords: Supply Chain, Innovation, USA, Africa, Sustainability.

Unveiling the Black Box in Retail Firms’ Supply Chain Labor Standards Performance: A Theory of Supply Chain Labor Compliance Integration

Prior work shows limited success in retail firms’ efforts to create socially responsible supply chains by enforcing suppliers’ compliance with labor standards, partly due to conflicting sourcing demands exerted on the supplier by siloed functional units within the retail firm. To ensure the substantive adoption of labor standards throughout its supply chain, we argue that the retail firm must improve their degree of “supply chain labor compliance integration” by minimizing cross-functional tensions in human capital, identities, processes and goals. We define supply chain labor compliance integration, identify its determinant organizational practices that reduce cross-functional tensions, and explain the mechanisms by which it improves the retail firm’s supply chain labor standards performance. This work offers theoretical and practical insights on the retail firm’s capacity for managing socially responsible supply chains, and more broadly, on how systematically minimizing intra-organizational tensions arising in the pursuit of competing organizational priorities is a prerequisite for their simultaneous execution in inter-organizational business exchanges.

The role of nature's contributions to people in sustaining international trade of agricultural products

Abstract Nature's contributions to people (NCP) are essential for the production and trade of agricultural, forestry and fishery commodities. Often, there is a spatial disconnect between consumers and the natural systems where the commodities are produced. Traded agricultural products are therefore dependent on nature and NCP in their region of origin. The dependencies of agricultural products on NCP are, however, insufficiently recognised by consumers and are rarely considered in global environmental governance and trade policies along value chains. Here, we synthesise studies highlighting dependencies of agricultural products on NCP in their origin locations to identify opportunities and challenges in quantifying their contribution in sustaining trade flows. We suggest three methodological steps for quantifying NCP dependencies in international agricultural trade: spatial mapping of NCP supply and demand, linking NCP to agricultural trade flows, and tracing trade flows. Each methodological step requires further development and harmonisation to enable a complete accounting of how international agricultural trade depends on NCP. Given the lack of knowledge and data on how NCP support agricultural trade, social and environmental trade‐offs of natural resource management are currently hard to quantify. Quantifying the role of NCP dependencies of traded agricultural products can support their sustainable management, contribute to supply chain accountability and serve as input to sustainable natural resource governance and foster responsibility and equity in supply chains. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

CSR implementation for the garment supply chain performance: a system dynamic approach

ABSTRACT As a social and environmental-sensitive industry, garment firms are trying to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) to cope with the increasing pressure of public concerns for globalised socially responsible supply chains (SC). We build such a model by using the System Dynamics (SD) approach. With the mechanism of mutual interactions between different variables of a complex system, our study examines different conditions of CSR implementation in the SC under which it is profitable for SC actors. Our sensitivity analysis demonstrates that when CSR implementation can stabilise market demand, firms’ CSR investment is beneficial. Our study provides a theoretical and managerial foundation that may be used to strengthen the consideration of CSR engagement in the garment SC. By analysing the covariance of factors influencing decision making to implement CSR strategies, our approach allows SC managers to make CSR decisions and production management. Furthermore, the model provides tools for evaluating and forecasting the effectiveness of their CSR strategies according to industry specifics.

Circular economy strategies in supply chains, enhancing resource efficiency and sustainable development goals.

Eco-industrial parks are the real-world implementation of green supply chain management. There is a growing need to include the circular economy concept into supply chain management as a means of striking a better economic, social, and environmental balance, as the importance of the external sustainability of the supply chain is challenging. Using 357 questionnaires filled out by enterprises in China's eco-industrial parks, we examine the connections and causal relationships between resource efficiency, environmental impact, green supply chain management, and circular economy. To learn how a green supply chain's circular economy affects resource efficiency and environmental performance in the China region, this study makes use of the instrumental variable approach (structure equation model (SEM)). The results of this study indicate that environmentally responsible supply chain management and circular economy have beneficial effects on environmental performance and resource efficiency. The management of the GSC has a negative and small impact on economic performance, although each of the components is a substantial contributor to better performance in the environment. Conclusions from this study will assist those responsible for making decisions within supply chains in developing a plan that is useful for increasing a company's performance along economic and environmental dimensions. This study not only broadens our understanding of the factors that influence green supply chain management but also offers theoretical direction for the implementation of successful green production practices by businesses located in eco-industrial parks.

Responsible Supply Chain Management

Responsible Supply Chain Management

Should a Retailer Introduce Green Items in Socially Responsible Supply Chains: A Game-Theoretic Analysis

Should a Retailer Introduce Green Items in Socially Responsible Supply Chains: A Game-Theoretic Analysis

Corporate Social Responsibility in Spatial Supply Chain

Market entities promote ecological logistics by adapting to the legal changes taking place in Europe, seeing an opportunity in such actions to build positive relationships with consumers. The foundations of the concept of corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the reduction of energy consumption in favor of clean production, limiting post-production pollution emissions, reducing CO2 emissions from transport and warehouse activities, on the one hand, translate into cost reduction for the producer, improvement of the company’s competitive position, and the establishment of lasting relationships with customers. On the other hand, they pose challenges where economic efficiency is a key factor. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of CSR concepts on the efficiency and security of logistics supply chains.

Supply chain short‐term financing for responsible production at small and medium‐sized enterprises

Companies have increasingly used supply chain financing instead of bank financing when engaging with financially constrained suppliers. We investigate the effectiveness of different financing mechanisms at supporting supply chain responsibility. We consider a decentralized supply chain where a buyer sources from a financially constrained supplier who borrows from either a bank or the buyer to finance his production. The buyer audits the supplier for responsibility compliance and will refuse to accept and pay for the order if the supplier fails the audit. We find that under conventional bank financing, the bank is concerned with the supplier's audit failure and will raise the interest rate. This not only hinders the supplier's compliance effort but also hurts the profitability of every stakeholder. In contrast, under buyer financing, the buyer may offer the supplier a low interest rate to motivate him to be more compliant when the supplier's collateral is of low value. However, if the supplier's collateral is of high value, the buyer may be tempted to set a high interest rate to exploit the supplier—leading to a reduction in supplier's compliance and supply chain profitability. Thus, we conclude that buyer (bank) financing is more preferable for encouraging responsibility when the supplier has low (high) collateral. Our findings suggest that buyer financing may not always be an effective approach for encouraging supply chain responsibility. As such, we propose an alternative mechanism under which the buyer offers a reward to the supplier if he passes the audit while the supplier continues to borrow from a bank. We prove that this combination of bank financing and buyer reward always improves the compliance level and in most cases increases the total supply chain profit. It is even more effective than buyer financing in encouraging responsibility especially when the supplier's collateral is of low value.

Does digital economy development matter? Role of supply chain management and CO2 emissions in BRICS.

Large risks and opportunities arise for production operations as a result of international governmental initiatives to limit carbon emissions. In instance, high-emitting manufacturing processes may be a reflection of productive inefficiencies and the uncertainty of the prices of carbon dioxide emissions. Recently, there has been a lot of attention paid to the topic of ecologically responsible supply chain management. Therefore, participants in the supply chain have worked together to create effective contracts, often known as green supply chain management contracts. In order to demonstrate the key role of financial efficiency, environmental sustainability, and supply chain management in sustainable growth and digital technology development, this study considers the data for BRICS economies over the period of 2008-2022. However, under the supply chain management, this study considers the innovation efficiency, input, and output to evaluate the external determinants. However, this study employs the OLS, 2SLS, and AMG estimator to demonstrate the robust and reliable outcomes for selected economies. In compile words, this study divides empirical scheme into two different explained variables such as sustainable growth and development of digital technologies. However, to show empirical scheme very catchy, the present study uses the simultaneous equation models. Therefore, all selected indicators of sustainable growth contribute to economic growth efficiently except the foreign direct investment. Besides for the digital technology development, all factors significantly contribute to digital technologies except the carbon emissions and foreign direct investment. Additional robust tests confirm the consistency and stability of the findings reached in this research. Thus, to improve economic performance, digital economy development, and sustainability, authorities in BRICS areas should develop strategies that enhance digital economy development under the green supply chain management.

Buyer collaboration in managing supplier responsibility with ESG due diligence effort spillover and fairness concerns

Propelled by climate change and social injustice, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure is popularizing and drives for building a more transparent and responsible supply chain. As many unsustainable and unethical activities are hidden in the upstream supply chain, it demands ESG reporting on suppliers. Against this background, buyers conduct due diligence (DD) to assess, manage, and report the ESG practices of the upstream suppliers. We consider two buyers with different responsible awareness competing for consumers in the end market (referred to as a strong buyer and a weak buyer). Competing buyers can share a common supplier and cooperate in implementing ESG DD to strengthen consumer trust, nevertheless, such cooperation gives the weak buyer an opportunity to free ride on the strong buyer’s ESG effort (i.e., ESG effort spillover). We find that only a significantly low spillover effect can induce a fair-neutral strong buyer to adopt buyer collaboration. Interestingly, with the consideration of fairness concerns, the competitor can be treated as a friend in collaboratively managing the ESG practices of the common supplier even facing a great threat of ESG DD effort spillover. Our results also reveal that fairness concerns have a non-monotone impact on the possibility of realizing a win–win outcome between the two buyers. Our findings shed light on how the optimal supplier ESG DD strategy in a competing market differs when incorporating fairness concerns.

The Impact of Social Capital on Socially Responsible Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Supply Chain Transparency.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought global poverty to the forefront, and existing research suggests that socially responsible supply chains play an important role in poverty alleviation. However, there is limited research on how to improve the performance of socially responsible supply chains. This study innovatively chooses a dual perspective, i.e., companies and farmers in contract farming, the dominant model of socially responsible supply chains in Chinese agriculture, as the research object. Furthermore, it examines the role of social capital on the performance of socially responsible supply chains, as well as the moderating role of supply chain transparency, in order to find out how to improve the stakeholder performance. The empirical results found that the factors affecting socially responsible supply chain performance differed between the dual perspectives. From the firm's perspective, all three dimensions of social capital (shared values, communication and reciprocity) have a significant positive effect on socially responsible supply chain performance (income increase), while supply chain transparency only positively moderates between communication and income increase. From the farmers' perspective, only reciprocity and shared values had a significant positive effect on income increase; interestingly, supply chain transparency negatively moderated the relationship between reciprocity and income increase. This study expands the role of social capital theory, and the dual perspective examination provides insights for performance improvement of companies and farmers in socially responsible supply chains, as well as guidance for promoting sustainable social development.

Shaping corporate social responsibility standards in the global economy: Chinese industry guidelines for responsible mineral supply chains

Between 2014 and 2023, the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (known by its acronym CCCMC) developed a set of corporate social responsibility guidelines which aim to steer Chinese outward mining investment toward a socially responsible model. This article presents an in-depth analysis of these voluntary industry-specific corporate social responsibility guidelines. The article also unfolds the less visible processes in which a Chinese industry association proactively engages with the dynamics of multi-level governance of corporate social responsibility in global mineral supply chains. While focusing on the rising role of the CCCMC, the article takes a ‘multi-level and actor-centred’ approach to understand the development of corporate social responsibility standards in the global economy. The article finds that CCCMC guidelines are inspired by and infused with pre-existing corporate social responsibility standards, especially international standards. Furthermore, it showcases the CCCMC’s continuing follow-up measures to implement the guidelines and increase recognition from other actors in global mineral supply chains. In particular, the article finds that the CCCMC has taken substantive measures to formulate and implement applicable labour standards in global mineral supply chains.