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Auditing and training to incentivize sustainability in multi-tier supply chains: Substitutes or complements?

Author

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  • Bloemer, Alexander
  • Minner, Stefan

Abstract

Governments and consumers increasingly hold companies responsible for sustainability violations across their supply chain. However, companies often have only limited information on sustainability practices in their upstream supply chain. To still achieve sustainable behavior of lower-tier suppliers, they have to choose adequate incentives or delegate this responsibility to their direct suppliers. We analyze a three-tier supply chain where a buyer and a direct supplier can motivate sustainable behavior of a sub-supplier by auditing or investing in training.

Suggested Citation

  • Bloemer, Alexander & Minner, Stefan, 2026. "Auditing and training to incentivize sustainability in multi-tier supply chains: Substitutes or complements?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 330(2), pages 656-670.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:330:y:2026:i:2:p:656-670
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.07.040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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