Exploring trade-offs between basic and advanced sustainable supply chain practices among consumer electronics: a social media analytics approach

Abstract

PurposeThis study explores the sustainable supply chain trade-offs in the electronics industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a social media analytics approach and analyses Twitter posts from August 2017 to December 2021. Thematic analysis is applied to discover the pattern in sustainable supply chain trade-offs based on the consumers' perceptions. In addition, a chi-square test was used to measure whether a relationship exists between product groups and sustainable supply chain perceptions.FindingsThe results indicate that environmental practices are the most frequent topic among consumers on social media. Further, although basic sustainable supply chain practices are prioritised in the environmental aspect, advanced sustainable supply chain practices take precedence over basic ones in the social dimension. The result from the chi-square independence test reveals that there is no significant relationship between different products and perceptions of consumers except for economically advanced sustainable supply chain practices.Practical implicationsThe main implications of the present study are to offer a fast and efficient method to marketers and companies for discovering customer perceptions. In a way, they can identify where the quality of practices needs to improve in their supply chains to gain customer satisfaction. Additionally, the authors suggest industries declare their trade-off preferences between sustainable supply chain practices transparently.Originality/valueThe findings extend the abundance of sustainable supply chain literature by identifying the sustainable supply chain trade-offs among consumer electronics. Also, the reason for customers' dissatisfaction is provided. In the end, six propositions are presented based on the explorations.

The relationship between sustainability and resilience in supply chains: an empirical study on the Egyptian manufacturing firms.

“…The environmental pillar of SSCM involves ensuring that the supply chain operations are environmentally responsible, this includes using renewable energy, reducing waste, using recycled materials, and implementing ethical manufacturing practices (Yang & Wang, 2023). By addressing climate change, conserving resources, preventing pollution, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable product design, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible global ecosystem (Mirzaei et al, 2023;Saqib & Zhang, 2021).…”

“…The social pillar of SSCM focuses on the social impact of supply chain practices. This includes ethical treatment of workers, fair labor practices, community engagement, human rights, labor standards, and social equity within the supply chain (Mirzaei et al, 2023). Social sustainability is about fostering positive relationships with employees, suppliers, and local communities, and ensuring fair and safe working conditions (Gruchmann & Seuring, 2018).…”

“…H1 Questionnaire Development SSCM practices (Independent Variable) were measured using 27 items drawn from previous studies (Baliga et al, 2020;Eggert & Hartmann, 2022;Kot, 2018;Miemczyk & Luzzini, 2019;Mirzaei et al, 2023;Saqib & Zhang, 2021;Yang & Wang, 2023). Respondents were asked to evaluate the level of implementation for each item using 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 that indicates not implemented to 5 that indicates full implementation.…”

Stakeholders' engagement through social media analytics in promoting sustainable development practices in the mobile supply chain: A cross‐country analysis

“…They discovered that although consumer awareness of the significance and existence of refuse recovery systems is high, it has not translated into recycling behavior. Mirzaei and Shokouhyar (2022) analyze customers' perceptions and shed light on the sustainable supply chain trade‐offs in the electronics industry. They realized that environmental practices are the most frequently discussed topic on social media among consumers.…”