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1 – 10 of 68
Article
Publication date: 27 March 2024

Cyntia Meireles Martins, Susana Carla Farias Pereira, Marcia Regina Santiago Scarpin, Maciel M. Queiroz and Mariana da Silva Cavalcante

This research analyses the impact of customers and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in certifying organic agricultural products. It…

Abstract

Purpose

This research analyses the impact of customers and government regulations on the implementation of socio-environmental practices in certifying organic agricultural products. It explores the dyad’s relationship between the focal company and its suppliers in the application of socio-environmental practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative methodology through a survey approach, with a sample of 206 agro-extractivists from the acai berry supply chain. The data are evaluated using regression analysis.

Findings

The main results reveal that customer pressure positively influences the implementation of social and environmental practices, but suggest a non-significant relationship between government regulations and the impact on environmental practices implementation. Social and environmental practices are positively related to operational performance. A moderating effect of organic certification is found in the relationship between customer pressure and the application of environmental practices.

Originality/value

The main contributions are exploring the use of socio-environmental practices in an emerging economy and organic certification as a moderating variable, revealing an “institutional void” that may hamper the enforcement of government regulations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Summer K. Mohamed, Sandra Haddad and Mahmoud Barakat

Due to the rapid increase in environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, there has been a recent shift in global focus from economic concerns to environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the rapid increase in environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, there has been a recent shift in global focus from economic concerns to environmental ones. The purpose of this research is to examine the relevant literature on the use of blockchain technology to promote environmental sustainability through customer integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework is based on the theoretical lens of systems theory (ST) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, and is developed by conducting a systematic literature review of 51 articles, (16) from 2022, (17) from 2021, (10) 2020, (5) 2019, (2) 2018 and (1) from 2017 on blockchain technology (BCT), environmental supply chain performance (ESCP) and customer integration.

Findings

Three main propositions are formulated and demonstrated using the developed framework, which shows that BCT has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain from an environmental sustainability perspective through facilitating waste management, reduction of energy consumption and reduction of carbon emissions/pollution. The technology will not only enhance the environmental sustainability but also facilitate customer integration through resolving transparency issues, protecting data/enhancing security, database decentralization, promoting trust and immutability.

Originality/value

The effects of blockchain on supply chain performance has been studied in the past; however, no studies were found which shed light on how BCT can affect ESCP through the mediation of customer integration.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 March 2024

Gustavo Anríquez, José Tomás Gajardo and Bruno Henry de Frahan

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the impacts that the recent proliferation of private and overlapping standards is having in the trade of agricultural products…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the impacts that the recent proliferation of private and overlapping standards is having in the trade of agricultural products from developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first stage industry experts in the Chilean fresh fruit trading industry were interviewed to understand the perceived impact that private standards are imposing in the industry. These interviews allowed to identify the market case study, table grapes, the landscape of private standards and their prevalence in different countries. In a second stage, a gravity trade model for trade in table grapes was estimated, with a focus on the more stringent countries identified by experts in the first stage.

Findings

We show evidence that the proliferation of private standards required by large European retailers has diverted trade away from more stringent countries that require more certifications (and into less stringent European markets). We also show that the costs of these additional certifications have been shared by trading partners, via an increase in direct sales, as opposed to consignment (the traditional marketing mode), which is associated with higher prices.

Research limitations/implications

The impacts of the recent proliferation of private and overlapping standards in international trade needs to be better understood both by the legal and economic literature. While the use of private standards has been growing since the 1990s, there is a recent trend of large European retailers imposing their own and overlapping standards that needs to be better understood to inform policy.

Originality/value

While there is a thin literature on the impact of private standards on trade, most of this has studied the effects of the now de facto mandatory GlobalGAP certification. However, there is a recent trend by large European retailers of demanding their own private certifications, together with other already existing overlapping private standards. This study describes and analyzes the impacts of this rather new trend.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2023

Efrosini Siougle, Sophia Dimelis and Nikolaos Malevris

This study explores the link between ISO 9001 certification, personal data protection and firm performance using financial balance sheet and survey data. The security aspect of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the link between ISO 9001 certification, personal data protection and firm performance using financial balance sheet and survey data. The security aspect of data protection is analyzed based on the major requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation and mapped to the relevant controls of the ISO/IEC 27001/27002 standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analysis is based on 96 ISO 9001–certified and non-certified publicly traded manufacturing and service firms that responded to a structured questionnaire. The authors develop and empirically test their theoretical model using the structural equation modeling technique and follow a difference-in-differences econometric modeling approach to estimate financial performance differences between certified and non-certified firms accounting for the level of data protection.

Findings

The estimates indicate three core dimensions in the areas of “policies, procedures and responsibilities,” “access control management” and “risk-reduction techniques” as desirable components in establishing the concept of data security. The estimates also suggest that the data protection level has significantly impacted the performance of certified firms relative to the non-certified. Controlling for the effect of industry-level factors reveals a positive relationship between data security and high-technological intensity.

Practical implications

The results imply that improving the level of compliance to data protection enhances the link between certification and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature by empirically testing the influence of data protection on the relationship between quality certification and firm performance.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Abstract

Details

A New Left Economics: An Economy with a Social Conscience
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-402-9

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2024

Ana M. Arboleda and Acosta Pilar

This paper evaluates consumers' responses to claims regarding fruit sustainability. The authors compared the effects of this factor on consumers' moral satisfaction and purchase…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper evaluates consumers' responses to claims regarding fruit sustainability. The authors compared the effects of this factor on consumers' moral satisfaction and purchase intention with respect to 12 sustainability claims.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-model experiment was conducted with seven fruits (i.e. guava, pineapple, red apple, green apple, red grape, green grape and avocado) to evaluate the effects of the 12 sustainability claims on purchase intention through moral satisfaction, relative to a control condition.

Findings

The results show that claims of supporting local farmers are those that move consumers the most. Claims regarding local farmers' production positively affect moral satisfaction and purchase intention.

Practical implications

This paper takes a consumer behavior approach to sustainability, enabling organizations to consider consumer behavior outcomes that could affect their strategic investments and commitment to social responsibility.

Originality/value

Food-related studies have not produced consistent results with respect to the relevance that sustainability claims have for consumers. This study differs from previous studies, as it focuses on fruit, a product that is important for social and environmental sustainability issues. This study demonstrates that, in the case of fruit, sustainability arguments are meaningful to young consumers through the mediating effect of moral satisfaction. Thus, the effect of claims is predicted by the meaning these arguments have for the consumer.

Propósito

Este artículo evalúa las respuestas de los consumidores a los argumentos de sostenibilidad en una fruta. Se comparan los efectos de este factor en la satisfacción moral y la intención de compra de los consumidores con respecto a 12 argumentos de sostenibilidad.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó un experimento de modelo mixto con siete frutas (guayaba, piña, manzana roja, manzana verde, uva roja, uva verde y aguacate) para evaluar los efectos de los 12 argumentos de sostenibilidad sobre la intención de compra a través de la satisfacción moral, en relación con una condición de control.

Hallazgos

Los resultados muestran que las afirmaciones de apoyo a los agricultores locales son las que más influyen en los consumidores. Las afirmaciones relativas a la producción de los agricultores locales afectan positivamente a la satisfacción moral y a la intención de compra.

Implicaciones prácticas

Este trabajo adopta un enfoque de la sostenibilidad basado en el comportamiento del consumidor, lo que permite a las organizaciones considerar los resultados del comportamiento del consumidor que podrían afectar a sus inversiones estratégicas y a su compromiso con la responsabilidad social.

Originalidad

Los estudios relacionados con la alimentación no han arrojado resultados consistentes respecto a la relevancia que los argumentos de sostenibilidad tienen para los consumidores. Este estudio difiere de los anteriores, ya que se centra en la fruta, un producto importante por cuestiones de sostenibilidad social y medioambiental. Este estudio demuestra que, en el caso de la fruta, los argumentos de sostenibilidad son significativas para los consumidores jóvenes a través del efecto mediador de la satisfacción moral. Así, el efecto de los argumentos se predice por el significado que estos tienen para el consumidor.

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Michael Fuchs, Guillaume Bodet and Gregor Hovemann

While consumer preferences for sporting goods have been widely researched within sport management, literature is lacking on aspects of social and environmental sustainability…

Abstract

Purpose

While consumer preferences for sporting goods have been widely researched within sport management, literature is lacking on aspects of social and environmental sustainability. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the role of social and environmental sustainability for purchase decisions of sportswear and compares them to the role of price and functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a conjoint analysis among 1,012 Europeans, the authors conducted a two-step cluster analysis. First, the authors investigated the number of segments via Ward’s method. Second, the authors ran a k-means analysis based on part-worth utilities from the conjoint analysis.

Findings

The authors identified four segments which differ in terms of preferred product attributes, willingness to pay, and sociodemographic, behavioral, and psychographic characteristics: undecided, sustainable, price-focused and function-oriented consumers. Based on this segmentation, the authors found that the importance of social and environmental sustainability is growing, but not among all consumers.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the study is limited since it is not built on a sample representative for the included European countries, it focuses on a single product, and participants are potentially subject to a social desirability bias.

Originality/value

The consumer analysis comprises the uptake of attributes related to social and environmental sustainability. The authors thereby address a literature gap as previous research (thematizing sporting goods) in the sport management field has often neglected sustainability elements despite their rapidly growing importance within the sport sector.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Elena Isabel Vazquez Melendez, Paul Bergey and Brett Smith

This study aims to examine the blockchain landscape in supply chain management by drawing insights from academic and industry literature. It identifies the key drivers…

155

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the blockchain landscape in supply chain management by drawing insights from academic and industry literature. It identifies the key drivers, categorizes the products involved and highlights the business values achieved by early adopters of blockchain technology within the supply chain domain. Additionally, it explores fingerprinting techniques to establish a robust connection between physical products and the blockchain ledger.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combined the interpretive sensemaking systematic literature review to offer insights into how organizations interpreted their business challenges and adopted blockchain technology in their specific supply chain context; content analysis (using Leximancer automated text mining software) for concept mapping visualization, facilitating the identification of key themes, trends and relationships, and qualitative thematic analysis (NVivo) for data organization, coding and enhancing the depth and efficiency of analysis.

Findings

The findings highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology and offer valuable insights into its implementation in optimizing supply chain operations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of product provenance information to consumers, with blockchain technology offering certainty and increasing customer loyalty toward brands that prioritize transparency.

Research limitations/implications

This research has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, there is a possibility that some relevant investigations may have been missed or omitted, which could impact the findings. In addition, the limited availability of literature on blockchain adoption in supply chains may restrict the scope of the conclusions. The evolving nature of blockchain adoption in supply chains also poses a limitation. As the technology is in its infancy, the authors expect that a rapidly emerging body of literature will provide more extensive evidence-based general conclusions in the future. Another limitation is the lack of information contrasting academic and industry research, which could have provided more balanced insights into the technology’s advancement. The authors attributed this limitation to the narrow collaborations between academia and industry in the field of blockchain for supply chain management.

Practical implications

Practitioners recognize the potential of blockchain in addressing industry-specific challenges, such as ensuring transparency and data provenance. Understanding the benefits achieved by early adopters can serve as a starting point for companies considering blockchain adoption. Blockchain technology can verify product origin, enable truthful certifications and comply with established standards, reinforcing trust among stakeholders and customers. Thus, implementing blockchain solutions can enhance brand reputation and consumer confidence by ensuring product authenticity and quality. Based on the results, companies can align their strategies and initiatives with their needs and expectations.

Social implications

In essence, the integration of blockchain technology within supply chain provenance initiatives not only influences economic aspects but also brings substantial social impacts by reinforcing consumer trust, encouraging sustainable and ethical practices, combating product counterfeiting, empowering stakeholders and contributing to a more responsible, transparent and progressive socioeconomic environment.

Originality/value

This study consolidates current knowledge on blockchain’s capacity and identifies the specific drivers and business values associated with early blockchain adoption in supply chain provenance. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role of product fingerprinting techniques in supporting blockchain for supply chain provenance, facilitating more robust and efficient supply chain operations.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Piotr Rogala, Piotr Kafel and Inga Lapina

The study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine whether audited organizations experience differences between external audits and official controls.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey among 100 organic food producers was conducted to explore differences regarding the usability of external audits and official controls. The survey was conducted in 2020 using the computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) method supplemented by the computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Organizations processing organic farming products in Poland were chosen for the study.

Findings

Three primary benefits associated with external audits and official controls were identified, i.e. (1) enabling and initiating activities related to the improvement of the organization, (2) improving the financial performance of the organization and (3) enhancing credibility. For most organizations, the assessment of these features was at the same level for both external audits and official control. However, if these assessments differed, commercial audits were assessed at a higher level than official controls.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to only one specific type of manufacturing organization and one European country.

Originality/value

The literature review shows some conceptual differences between audits and official controls, but the results of this study show that the business environment does not perceive these differences as significant. Thus, the value of the study is reflected in the conclusion that both external audits and official controls are considered useful and credible approaches to monitoring the quality within the organization, which allows us to state that external evaluation is generally seen as an opportunity to improve the performance of the organization.

Details

Central European Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2658-0845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Rodrigo Natal Duarte, Elisa Reis Guimarães, Maurício Ribeiro do Valle and Simone Vasconcelos Ribeiro Galina

This study aimed to understand coopetition in the context of Brazilian specialty coffee grower Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), based on the need to differentiate the beans in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to understand coopetition in the context of Brazilian specialty coffee grower Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), based on the need to differentiate the beans in and outside the farm level, taking into account the stakeholders’ influence.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study twenty semistructured interviews were carried out with coffee growers and managers of cooperatives, associations and supporting institutions involving two Brazilian coffee geographical indications. Data were analyzed using a mixed grid composed of qualitative, semantic and categorical factors.

Findings

Strategic moves undertaken by coffee growers and stakeholders have shaped the pathway of coopetition among coffee growers, as determinants to frame it as a deliberate or emergent pattern (intentional or unplanned, respectively). Our findings provide evidence that coopetition development among firms is deliberate when influenced by firms’ or stakeholders’ cooperative moves and emergent when influenced by firms’ or stakeholders’ competitive moves.

Originality/value

Although the firm/stakeholder relationship is often approached as a joint wealth creation effort, stakes are not always fairly distributed, so one of the parties may be negatively affected, with consequences for the development of coopetition. Underpinned by a stakeholder-oriented resource-based theoretical lens, this investigation of the development patterns of coopetition linked to the strategic actions undertaken by firms and stakeholders has resonance on competitive advantages.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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