Sustainability practices during COVID-19: an institutional perspective

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how sustainable practices in supply chains are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of institutional theory.Design/methodology/approachThis research applies a twofold data collection approach: 1) qualitative semistructured interviews and 2) secondary data collection that includes sustainability reports, newspaper articles, journal articles, strategic plans, research reports and statements made by authorities and stakeholders concerning decision-making. In total, managers representing six companies in Norway were interviewed.FindingsThe study suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, companies tend to focus on short-term decisions and economic issues. The long-term focus on sustainability has, however, increased at the cluster level. The research also indicates that the pandemic has led to the development of new business routines that may transform institutional norms. The diversity of institutional contexts can, on the one hand, drive sustainability transitions through pressures and supportive programs but, on the other hand, also hinder the development of sustainability thinking.Research limitations/implicationsInstitutional factors must be included when analyzing the effects of crises and sustainable transitions. Researchers are encouraged to explore the COVID-19 implications in the form of longitudinal studies.Practical implicationsPolicymakers can benefit from in-depth knowledge on the adverse effects of an institutional environment on sustainability. For managers, the outbreak of the pandemic can afford them additional time to revise their strategies and seek innovation. The pandemic highlights the need to build more resilient and sustainable systems that will aid managers in responding rapidly during future uncertainties and enduring sustainability trajectories in operations.Originality/valueThe paper offers an in-depth investigation of COVID-19 effects on the sustainability of supply chains by drawing on institutional theory.

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

“…Finally, a managerial contribution arises from our findings on a strong institutional environment, like the EU, as a part of the functional scale contingency for the adoption of the efficiency-based engineering approach. This strong institutional environment and its beneficial impact on the suppliers' resilience during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as an argument for managers that balances the operational costs of EU suppliers (Klymenko and Lillebrygfjeld Halse, 2021).…”

“…As a result and despite recent research in this area, details on the development of SC sustainability actions and SC sustainability learning in turbulent environments remain scarce (Cormack et al, 2021). For instance, Klymenko and Lillebrygfjeld Halse (2021) investigate sustainability actions from an institutional perspective in the maritime industry in Norway. They find that the role of the institutional context is ambivalent as it can both trigger and hinder firms' sustainability transition.…”

“…, 2021). For instance, Klymenko and Lillebrygfjeld Halse (2021) investigate sustainability actions from an institutional perspective in the maritime industry in Norway. They find that the role of the institutional context is ambivalent as it can both trigger and hinder firms' sustainability transition.…”

The changing role of innovation for crisis management in times of COVID-19: An integrative literature review

“…Additionally, it addresses the substitution of natural for man-made resources, as well as reuse and recycling. However, social sustainability focuses on the populace's social well-being, balancing individual needs with communal needs (equity), public awareness and cohesion, and engagement and usage of indigenous labor and enterprises ( Klymenko & Lillebrygfjeld Halse, 2021 ). The SDGs of the United Nations envision a peaceful future in which human existence flourishes in a secure, healthy, and sustainable environment devoid of disparities.…”

Assessment of research trends in the Covid-19 epidemic for logistic and supply chain management

“…Araştırma, 3PL yöneticilerinin yeni paradoksları yönetmek için öncelikli olarak güvenliği sağlamaya odaklandığı, bununla birlikte operasyonel planların modifiye edilmesi, iletişimi geliştirme, eğitime yatırım yapma, merkez ağını optimize etme, yeni operasyonel yöntemler geliştirme, insan kaynakları politikalarının uyarlanması konularına odaklandığını göstermiştir. Klymenko & Halse (2021), COVID 19 sürecinde uygulanan kısa vadeli karar ve politikalar nedeniyle uzun vadede çevresel sorunların ihmal edilmesi riski doğduğundan hareketle tedarik zincirlerindeki sürdürülebilir uygulamaların COVID 19 salgınından nasıl etkilendiğini araştırmışlardır. Sonuç olarak, salgının şirketleri sürdürülebilir uygulamalara doğrudan teşvik etmediğini ancak temastan kaçınmak amacıyla dijital teknolojinin daha fazla kullanılması ve seyahatlerin azalmasıyla ulaşımla ilgili emisyonların düşürüldüğü; salgınla sürdürülebilirliğin sosyal boyutuna artan bir ilginin oluştuğu ve bu durumun yöneticilerin sorunları daha sürdürülebilir bakışla yeniden değerlendirme fırsatlarına yol açtığı ortaya konmuştur.…”