The human side of humanitarian supply chains: a research agenda and systematization framework

Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour (), Ana Beatriz Sousa Jabbour (), Gary Ramsden and Paula Camargo Fiorini
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Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour: MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School - UM - Université de Montpellier, University of Stirling
Ana Beatriz Sousa Jabbour: Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie = EM Normandie Business School

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Abstract: Humanitarian operations are increasingly receiving attention due to the numerous recent disasters and crises caused by both natural and man-made events, from mass human exodus to pandemics such as COVID-19. The successful management of humanitarian supply chains requires the effective use of human resource practices, which in turn requires strong leadership in the so-called 'soft side' of management. This study aims to investigate the current status of research on the human aspects of humanitarian supply chains. Through a systematic and comprehensive literature review, encompassing an original codification and in-depth analysis of journal articles, this work provides a research agenda and a number of lessons concerning human resource management (HRM) in humanitarian operations. The main findings reveal that: (i) HRM impacts the ability of humanitarian organizations to adequately prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters; (ii) training programs for aid personnel are a vital aspect of humanitarian responsiveness; (iii) humanitarian operations require a workforce with a variety of soft and hard skills; (iv) lack of trained staff is one of the main challenges in this field; and (v) building relationships and strengthening networks can enlarge the human resource pool available. Therefore, the findings of this study and its proposed research agenda have implications for both theory and practice. In terms of theory, this work provides seven recommendations, representing opportunities for scholars to advance this body of knowledge. For humanitarian practitioners, this paper offers insightful lessons to guide them in the management of human resources in humanitarian operations.

Keywords: Human resource management; Humanitarian logistics; Literature review; Relief operations; Research agenda; Supply chain management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Published in Annals of Operations Research, 2022, 319 (1), pp.911--936. ⟨10.1007/s10479-021-03970-z⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04275090

DOI: 10.1007/s10479-021-03970-z

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