Barriers of social sustainability: an improved interpretive structural model of Indian textile and clothing supply chain

Abstract

Social sustainability, the social dimension of sustainable development goals (SDGs), is getting increasing attention in recent years. The issues of social sustainability are very challenging in the textile and clothing supply chain especially in emerging economies. This article proposes a modified fuzzy interpretive structural modelling (fuzzy ISM) for analysing the contextual relationships among the barriers of social sustainability. Twenty barriers are shortlisted based on review of literature and experts' opinion. The contextual relationships among the barriers are captured in form of linguistic ratings given by the experts. Using the modified fuzzy ISM method, an eight‐level hierarchical model is developed. The lack of consumer awareness is found to be the most important driving barrier. The other important driving barriers are lack of strict implementation of government laws and regulation, and lack of financial support from the Government and trade bodies. This study shows that the issues of social sustainability in the textile and clothing supply chain can be addressed by increasing consumer awareness, coercive pressure from the regulatory bodies, and financial aids and incentives to supply chain partners. This study contributes to the methodology by developing an improved interpretive model of decision making. The hierarchical and contextual relationships among the social sustainability barriers have been deciphered. The study also utilises organisational change management theory to address the barriers of adoption of social sustainability. Outcome of this research will be useful to frame strategies to implement social sustainability in textile and clothing supply chain.

Business strategy and innovative models in the fashion industry: Clothing leasing as a driver of sustainability

“…The T&C sector plays an important role in the European manufacturing industry, generating a turnover of 166 billion € and employing 1.7 million people (European Commission, 2022). The literature pays much attention to the combination of T&C and sustainability through a natural resource‐based view (Coppola et al, 2023) and the resolution of social barriers (Shaw et al, 2022). However, it is undeniable that even T&C can be contaminated by the phenomenon of greenwashing (Adamkiewicz et al, 2022).…”

Defining and measuring the effects of digital technologies on social sustainability: A systematic literature review

“…Social sustainability could be defined in several ways. We hereby present the following set of definitions as the conceptual basis for this work. “Social sustainability is a vital cog of sustainable development which takes care of social aspects by giving importance to social values, equity and justice; addressing basic needs, safety and health; bringing sense of community, social capital and diversity; respecting human rights, and thereby paving the way to eliminate poverty, bringing higher quality of life and augmenting the standard of living.” (Shaw et al, 2022) “[A] positive condition within communities, and a process within communities that can achieve that condition” (de Fine Licht & Folland, 2019), including aspects such as equity in service access and between generations, defending labor rights, cultural integration, empowerment of minorities or widespread political participation of citizens. “social goals [of sustainable development include] improving equal job opportunities, improving participation in creating community capacities, reducing impact on cultural and historical heritage.” (Dalirazar & Sabzi, 2022) “Social sustainability is perceived as a sustainable development principle aimed at achieving equality and reducing poverty through job creation and education, empowerment and freedom, preservation of diversity, protection and promotion of human rights, equity and health and safety.” (Ipinnaiye & Olaniyan, 2023) …”

“…"Social sustainability is a vital cog of sustainable development which takes care of social aspects by giving importance to social values, equity and justice; addressing basic needs, safety and health; bringing sense of community, social capital and diversity; respecting human rights, and thereby paving the way to eliminate poverty, bringing higher quality of life and augmenting the standard of living." (Shaw et al, 2022) 2. "[A] positive condition within communities, and a process within communities that can achieve that condition" (de Fine Licht & Folland, 2019), including aspects such as equity in service access and between generations, defending labor rights, cultural integration, empowerment of minorities or widespread political participation of citizens.…”

FRAMEWORK PARA RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL CORPORATIVA VISANDO O DESENVOLVIMENTO DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR SOB a PERSPECTIVA DA GESTãO DE CADEIA DE SUPRIMENTOS SUSTENTáVEIS

“…Os parceiros comerciais são peça chave para atender as metas de sustentabilidade de uma organização (Manavalan et al, 2019). As questões de sustentabilidade na cadeia de suprimentos podem ser tratadas por ajudas financeiras e incentivos aos parceiros comerciais da cadeia de suprimentos sustentável (Shaw et al, 2022).…”

“…O governo é o responsável por essa diretriz como também ONGs, parceiros comerciais e clientes. A falta de implementação rigorosa das leis e políticas governamentais e a falta de apoio financeiro do governo e dos órgãos como ONGS e parceiros comerciais são barreiras relacionadas a implementação de questões de sustentabilidade social na cadeia de suprimentos que podem ser tratadas aumentando a conscientização do cliente e a pressão coercitiva dos órgãos reguladores (Shaw et al, 2022). Políticas e legislações é considerada uma diretriz fundamental, o que é importante para implementar a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos na indústria (Kausar et al, 2017).…”