 The wicked problem of sustainable development in supply chainsYasmim Maia Pederneiras, Johann Meckenstock, Ana Isabel Cerqueira Carvalho and Ana Paula Barbosa‐Póvoa Business Strategy and the Environment, 2022, vol. 31, issue 1, 46-58 Abstract: The operationalization of sustainable development involves ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty. It becomes more complex when applied in supply chain operations. Indeed, the research in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is influenced by positivist paradigms that do not address subjective issues. Therefore, we suggest that SSCM is often dealing with so‐called ‘wicked’ problems. This paper aims to emphasize the relationship between wicked problem complexities and SSCM characteristics. Through a ground theory approach, we develop a conceptual framework that relates the social, cognitive and temporal complexities of a wicked problem with characteristics of SSCM. Furthermore, we propose business strategies to mediate this relationship. Our contribution highlights the importance of the stakeholder's engagement to develop common sustainability values and language, clarity and transparency in the supply chain activities, and continuity and equity in a long‐term partnership. Date: 2022 Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:31:y:2022:i:1:p:46-58 Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from Access Statistics for this article Business Strategy and the Environment is currently edited by Richard Welford More articles in Business Strategy and the Environment from Wiley Blackwell |
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