Social sustainability in supply chains: A framework and a Latin America illustrative case

Abstract

Social issues are under-represented in sustainability, considering historical predominance of economic and environmental issues. This also applies to Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Even with its definition clarified regarding Triple Bottom Line, research still advances disproportionately in environmental and economic dimensions, facing the social dimension. This research aims to analyze how social sustainability is addressed in focal firms and managed into its supply chain. The study explores the concepts of social issues and governance mechanisms, presenting elements discussed in the literature. A framework for managing social sustainability in supply chains is presented, followed by a case to illustrate the discussed concepts in a Latin American context.

Social Issues in Supply Chain Sustainability – Focus Areas for Energy and Manufacturing sectors in India and USA

“…Mani et al (2016) have interpreted it as one of the most common and important social issues in their study. According to Morais (2017), a lack of ethics in businesses and the running of organizations driven by profits can be noticed in both developed and emerging countries; and can be reduced by codes of conduct and internal governance activities in the firms. Indian Manufacturing sector largely shows a gap, given there is a % of people that either didn't know the ethics policy exists in their organization or believe that it is not followed.…”

“…G: Gender, which, for the purposes of this paper, includes both gender non-diversity and discrimination (Yawar and Seuring, 2017;Mani et al, 2015) have continued to remain an unsolved bias. Supply chain organizations should create awareness about this and should promote activities, policies and disciplines to promote the equal treatment and rights of all genders at their and the SCM partner's workplace (Morais, 2017). Subsequently, increasing the female to male ratio at the workplace, and policy to promote diversity in promotions should also be a priority of the firms, to improve the gender diversity (Mani et al, 2015).…”

“…Notice how both sectors in India highlight the lack of continuous monitoring and how lack of efforts or sidelining of issue continue to persist across sectors and geographies. H: Mani et al(2015), Morais (2017) and Yawar & Seuring (2017), in their studies, have specified that, measures like, establishing code of conduct with SCM partners, ensuring adherence and certifying to health & safety standards, conducting awareness programs, audits and setting up monitoring systems, providing employee health insurance and benefits would help improve the health, safety and wellbeing of the employees at the supply chain organizations. Figure 13 and 17 represent other focused aspects that contribute to the HSE aspect of firms in general.…”

“…J: Non-profit Organizations and other human rights advocates often prompt consumer boycotts, in case of major human rights violations they come across (Zadek, 2005). Firms can reduce human rights violations by following international standards and practices, framing codes of conduct with their supply chain partners and auditing (Mani et al, 2015;Morais, 2017). Figure 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 show response pertaining to child labor, employee rights, ethics, fairness and discrimination that are primary triggers for the boycott.…”

“…Of the many issues, Table 1 identifies those of the highest impact reviews, and each is briefly described. Björklund, 2010;Markley & Davis, 2007;Ansett, 2007D Employment Discrimination Roscigno, 2019E Ethics Morais, 2017Ellis & Higgins, 2006;Kolk andVan Tuldere, 2002 F Fair trade andtransparency Olorunniwo &Peters et al, 2011G Gender Morais, 2017Mani et al, 2015;Yawar andSeuring, 2017 H Health, safety andwellbeing Mani et al, 2015;Markley & Davis, 2007;Morais, 2017;Yawar and Seuring, 2017;Closs et al, 2011;Pullman et al, 2009I Housing Mani et al, 2015Read et al, 2012 J Human rights violation Yawar andSeuring, 2017;Klassen and Vereecke, 2012;Mani et al, 2015;Morais, 2017 K Labor conditions Klassen andVereecke, 2012;Yawar and Seuring, 2017;Ageron et al, 2012;Leire and Mont, 2009;Smith, 2007;Matos & Hall, 2007L Local community empowerment Simões, 2014Morais, 2017 Mani et al, 2015;Kumar and Rahman, 2015;Yawar and Seuring, 2017;Hall, 2007 Z Work-life balance Kumar and…”