Intra-Organisational Drivers of Purchasing Social Responsibility

Lauriane Robert, Rachel Bocquet and Elodie Gardet ()
Additional contact information
Lauriane Robert: IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc
Elodie Gardet: IREGE - Institut de Recherche en Gestion et en Economie - USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry] - Université Savoie Mont Blanc

Post-Print from HAL

Abstract: Purpose—This study seeks to identify intra-organisational drivers that enhance the implementation of a purchasing social responsibility (PSR) approach, as well as drivers that influence PSR throughout the phases of the process. Design/methodology/approach—The conceptual framework presents PSR as a process rather than merely a decision. It focuses on three dimensions (centralisation, specialisation, and formalisation) to highlight the role and evolution of key drivers through a three-phase process (setup, operating, and sustaining). The empirical analysis is based on a single qualitative case study of SNCF, France's state-owned railway company, which is particularly advanced in its PSR-related practices. Findings—The intra-organisational drivers differ according to the phase of the PSR process. Transitions across the three phases entail organisational adaptation, which require the company to transform from a mechanistic to an organic structure. Research limitations/implications—This research contributes to a better understanding of the PSR implementation process through an in-depth study focused on intra-organisational drivers. Although relatively understudied, these drivers take important roles. Practical implication—This study identifies operational, intra-organisational leverage actions that can benefit firms that aim to adopt or maintain a PSR approach. It also provides comprehensive guidance for activating these leverages throughout the PSR implementation process, and it helps firms identify their level of PSR. Originality/value—This study proposes the first processual, organisational interpretation of PSR approaches.

Keywords: purchasing social responsibility; intra-organisational drivers; processual approach (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://univ-smb.hal.science/hal-01613396v1
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published in European Business Review, 2016, 28 (3), pp.352-374. ⟨10.1108/EBR-08-2015-0083⟩

Downloads: (external link)
https://univ-smb.hal.science/hal-01613396v1/document (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01613396

DOI: 10.1108/EBR-08-2015-0083

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Post-Print from HAL
Bibliographic data for series maintained by CCSD ().