A complex systems model for transformative supply chains in emerging markets
International Journal of Emerging Markets
ISSN: 1746-8809
Article publication date: 12 February 2019
Issue publication date: 23 January 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Corporations operating global value chains must grapple with a multiplicity of ethical and practical considerations, most notably when value chains extend to emerging markets. Such contexts involve interactions with diverse stakeholders who possess the ability to impact supply chain performance, but who also bring conflicting needs, values and interests. The purpose of this paper is to outline a transformative model of supply chain fairness, arguing that adopting plural fairness principles and practices generates a higher fairness equilibrium which includes all affected stakeholders in the production of fairness outcomes, with consequent positive organizational and system level impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a philosophically informed overview of the literature on organizational fairness, the paper applies fairness to the management of supplier relations to identify the institutional features of ethically sustainable supply chains. The proposed conceptual model uses a complex adaptive systems approach (CADs), supplemented by describing the contribution of fairness norms and practices.
Findings
This paper argues that a transformative approach to supply chain fairness can suggest new structures for interaction between firms, stakeholders, mediating institutions and governments.
Originality/value
Emerging market supply chains are facing significant changes. Adopting a complex adaptive systems perspective upon stakeholder relationships, this paper offers insights from the theoretical literature on fairness, and proposes a normative model of supply chain fairness which accounts for both the normative and empirical aspects of relational complexity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest: the authors have received research grants from Mars Incorporated. The paper does not include any primary data.
Citation
Yeoman, R. and Mueller Santos, M. (2020), "A complex systems model for transformative supply chains in emerging markets", International Journal of Emerging Markets, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 50-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-02-2017-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited