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Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management

Author

Listed:
  • Carolin Brix-Asala

    (Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel, Kleine Rosenstraße 1-3, 34109 Kassel, Germany)

  • Anne-Kristin Geisbüsch

    (Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel, Kleine Rosenstraße 1-3, 34109 Kassel, Germany)

  • Philipp Christopher Sauer

    (Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel, Kleine Rosenstraße 1-3, 34109 Kassel, Germany)

  • Patrick Schöpflin

    (Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel, Kleine Rosenstraße 1-3, 34109 Kassel, Germany)

  • Axel Zehendner

    (Supply Chain Management, University of Kassel, Kleine Rosenstraße 1-3, 34109 Kassel, Germany)

Abstract

The comprehensive coverage of sustainability issues in a supply chain incurs goal conflicts—i.e., sustainability tensions—and is often limited by market characteristics, such as the availability of sustainable materials and services. While the mainstream business is prioritizing economic goals, a number of entrepreneurs are trying to move forward to more sustainable business practices for their own company and their supply chain. Fairphone represents such a case in the electronics industry, which is openly communicating its sustainability efforts and shortcomings. This communication is content-analyzed in this study by applying the theoretical lenses of paradox sustainability tensions and sustainable supply chain management. Findings of this analysis reveal the limitation of sustainability efforts by supply side characteristics, while Fairphone is innovatively using the demand side of its supply chain to drive sustainability. The resulting tensions among both sides are addressed via pro-active and direct supplier and stakeholder engagement by Fairphone at their suppliers’ mines and factories. The systematic identification of tensions and practices by which they are addressed is adding to our understanding of sustainability practices and goal conflicts in supply chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolin Brix-Asala & Anne-Kristin Geisbüsch & Philipp Christopher Sauer & Patrick Schöpflin & Axel Zehendner, 2018. "Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:2:p:424-:d:130460
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Simone Carmine & Valentina De Marchi, 2023. "Reviewing Paradox Theory in Corporate Sustainability Toward a Systems Perspective," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 184(1), pages 139-158, April.
    5. Philipp Sauer & Stefan Seuring, 2018. "A three-dimensional framework for multi-tier sustainable supply chain management," Post-Print hal-03926114, HAL.
    6. Zhang, Jiayuan & Yalcin, Mehmet G. & Hales, Douglas N., 2021. "Elements of paradoxes in supply chain management literature: A systematic literature review," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    7. Canan Kocabasoglu‐Hillmer & Sinéad Roden & Evelyne Vanpoucke & Byung‐Gak Son & Marianne W. Lewis, 2023. "Radical innovations as supply chain disruptions? A paradox between change and stability," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 59(3), pages 3-19, July.
    8. Carolin Brix‐asala & Stefan Seuring & Philipp C Sauer & Axel Zehendner & Lara Schilling, 2021. "Resolving the base of the pyramid inclusion paradox through supplier development," Post-Print hal-03891218, HAL.
    9. Philipp C. Sauer & Michael Hiete, 2019. "Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives as Social Innovation for Governance and Practice: A Review of Responsible Mining Initiatives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-30, December.
    10. Papaix, Claire & Eranova, Mariya & Zhou, Li, 2023. "Shared mobility research: Looking through a paradox lens," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 156-167.
    11. Carolin Brix‐Asala & Stefan Seuring & Philipp C. Sauer & Axel Zehendner & Lara Schilling, 2021. "Resolving the base of the pyramid inclusion paradox through supplier development," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(7), pages 3208-3227, November.
    12. Aymen Sajjad & Gabriel Eweje & David Tappin, 2020. "Managerial perspectives on drivers for and barriers to sustainable supply chain management implementation: Evidence from New Zealand," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 592-604, February.

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