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Using organisational theories to further our understanding of socially sustainable supply chains: The case of fair trade

Claire Moxham (Management School, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK)
Katri Kauppi (Department of Information and Service Economy, Aalto University School of Business, Helsinki, Finland)

Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 1359-8546

Article publication date: 3 June 2014

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to use organisational theories to frame research questions examining how to embed social sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) by focusing on fair trade.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on previous organisational theory review papers in SCM, institutional theory and the extended resource-based view have been used as theoretical lenses to develop research questions for further studies.

Findings

The authors developed seven research questions that enable and encourage the further examination of the factors impacting fair trade supply chains, as well as identify approaches to improve social sustainability in SCM practice.

Social implications

As the aim of fair trade is to rebalance inequities inherent in North–South trading relationships, further work in this area has the potential for positive economic, environmental and social impact.

Originality/value

The paper discusses two key themes: whether fair trade is changing SCM practices, and whether fair trade is a source of competitive advantage in supply chains. Using established theory to develop research questions encourages further examination of this important topic.

Keywords

Citation

Moxham, C. and Kauppi, K. (2014), "Using organisational theories to further our understanding of socially sustainable supply chains: The case of fair trade", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 413-420. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-09-2013-0332

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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