Decoding the elemental arcs of superior performance in sustainable supply chains

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to delve into the intricate depths surrounding the development of sustainable supply chains by conceptualizing the elemental aspects of superior performance in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual in nature and is grounded in the theories of SSCM and knowledge-based view. Findings The findings outline the elemental background processes governing the implementation of SSCM practices and superior performance outcomes. The conceptualization suggests that the superior performance of a sustainable supply chain is elementally dependent on the intricate efforts – to enrich the supply chain knowledge base with perspectives on SSCM. Thereby, these intricate efforts are delineated along the arcs of supply chain leadership, supply chain learning orientation, supply chain knowledge management (SCKM) and supply chain knowledge transfer. As such, while an SSCM orientation within the supply chain leadership is helpful in offsetting the inertia among the supply chain members to channelize intricate efforts in SSCM, the SSCM-based supply chain learning orientation further orientates the SSCM efforts of supply chain members toward the excavation of new knowledge in the frame of SSCM. Subsequently, the arcs of SSCM-based SCKM and SSCM-based supply chain knowledge transfer characterize the finer spaces of knowledge excavating actions, essential for enriching the supply chain knowledge base with perspectives on SSCM. Originality/value This conceptualization facilitates intriguing theoretical explanations to the linkage between SSCM implementation and superior performance outcomes. Specifically, from the knowledge-based angle, it delineates the root causes governing the superior/inferior nature of SSCM outcomes.

Supply chains' sustainability trajectories and resilience: a learning perspective in turbulent environments

“…To understand how firms learn to shape their SC sustainability trajectories, we understand SC sustainability learning as the "sustainability-related knowledge, behaviours and values resulting from the experiences of supply chain actors in implementing sustainability initiatives [actions]" (Pereira et al, 2021, p. 716). According to Roy (2019), SC sustainability learning relies on knowledge management and how this knowledge is applied, which somehow limits other sources of learning. Accordingly, SC sustainability trajectories refer to how fast and efficient SCs are able to learn (Silvestre, 2015).…”

“…, 2021, p. 716). According to Roy (2019), SC sustainability learning relies on knowledge management and how this knowledge is applied, which somehow limits other sources of learning. Accordingly, SC sustainability trajectories refer to how fast and efficient SCs are able to learn (Silvestre, 2015).…”

Gestión del conocimiento y sostenibilidad en la gestión de la cadena de suministro: revisión de literatura

“…Además de un análisis detallado del costobeneficio que redunde en el aumento de las expectativas de directivos que redundaría en un mayor interés, los procesos de planeación y capacitación se consideran esenciales en una implementación exitosa como lo señala Muhammad et al (2019). Más aún, deben gestionar de manera eficiente el conocimiento, lo que no solo facilitará la implementación de la sostenibilidad a lo largo de la cadena de suministros; sino que representará una ventaja con respecto a sus competidores (Abd Rahman et al, 2016) a través del intercambio de información y/o conocimiento, la creación conjunta de conocimiento y el almacenamiento de conocimiento donde se distinguen entre los procesos de mayor influencia; asimismo, la orientación hacia el aprendizaje propicia la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos en torno a este enfoque, así como su transferencia y aplicación (Roy, 2019).…”

A novel approach to assess sustainability of supply chains

“…Rights of employees (Amindoust et al, 2012;Kuo et al, 2010) and work safety (Keskin et al, 2010) are examples of social factors. To improve sustainability of supply chains, Roy (2019) addressed the importance of learning and knowledge transfer across supply chains.…”