The role of orientation towards sustainability in supply chains: Insights from empirical experiences
Benchmarking: An International Journal
ISSN: 1463-5771
Article publication date: 3 January 2020
Issue publication date: 14 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation of a company may stimulate new behaviours in supply chains.
Design/methodology/approach
Two in-depth qualitative case studies were conducted. Each company’s orientation to sustainable supply chains was studied using cross-case analysis.
Findings
The organisations in this study have a market-driving (i.e. proactive) orientation instead of market-driven (i.e. responsive) behaviour. Using analysis from the process of change for sustainability and explaining some challenges faced by both organisations, findings indicate that a corporate strategy of sustainability modified the companies’ management processes, even for the company that changed its orientation during the time (i.e. sustainability was not the main strategy at first). Practical examples of actions are provided to illustrate the study’s conclusion that a corporate orientation towards sustainability is an enabling factor in developing sustainable supply chain management (SCM).
Research limitations/implications
Strategic management plays an important role in a company’s orientation towards sustainability – internally and throughout its supply chains. Based on the findings, future research should measure the effect of a company’s orientation on sustainable SCM.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the understanding of companies’ strategic orientations and explores ways to introduce sustainability into supply chains.
Originality/value
The paper examines an underexplored debate regarding to how strategic orientations are related to sustainable SCM, focussing on both market-driving (i.e. proactive) and market-driven (i.e. responsive) orientations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Brazilian National Council of Technological and Scientific Development (Grant No. 479622/2013-2).
Citation
Silva, M.E., Alves, A.P.F., Dias, P. and Nascimento, L.F.M. (2022), "The role of orientation towards sustainability in supply chains: Insights from empirical experiences", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 305-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-07-2017-0184
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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