Foliated networks to analyze moral responsibility: a conceptual model

Abstract

Purpose -To explore how the flow of moral responsibility in supply chains can be understood through an analysis of material, monetary, and information flows.Design/methodology/approach -Social responsibility, foliated networks, and morality are used to present a conceptual framework that suggests responsibility links in supply chains.Findings -By understanding the flows of material, money and information, it is possible to see how different types (liable and political) of responsibility can be identified. Conventional supply chain flows are thus connected with moral responsibility.Research implications/limitations -Responsibility issues in supply chain management need to include supply chain links created by monetary and information flows, as well as material flows.Practical implications -Supply chain actors need to consider responsibility across their entire supply chain, which includes material, monetary and information flows.Originality/value -Foliated transportation networks, moral disengagement, and different types of responsibility are combined in a novel way to facilitate a better understanding of responsibility in supply chains.

Foliated Transport Networks in Intermodal Freight Transport

“…The main focus of foliated transport networks in supply chain management is on the flow of goods. But other layers, such as information and money flows, as well as responsibility, should also be included [58]. The most common optimisation criterion is economic.…”

Guest editorial

“…The issue is then concluded with two conceptual papers. Eriksson and Hilletofth (2017) use a line of thinking found in transportation research, so as to illustrate connections of moral responsibility in a supply chain; and Brunninge and Fridriksson (2017) draw from the literature on corporate heritage and social memory in organizations to discuss how referencing to the past can affect how companies manage their supply chains.…”