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Unravelling Mickey Mouse: The Effect of Supply Chain Position and Organisational Slack on the Uneven Balance of Sustainability Dimensions

Author

Listed:
  • Sini Laari

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
    Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland)

  • Tomi Solakivi

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland)

  • Anu Bask

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland)

  • Juuso Töyli

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
    Department of Communications and Networking, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Lauri Ojala

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland)

Abstract

This paper contributes to a less-studied area on how a firm’s position in the supply chain influences triple-bottom-line considerations in strategic decision making. We also contribute to previous research on a nuanced understanding of unabsorbed organisational slack as an antecedent to the triple-bottom-line dimensions of sustainability. The research data comprises survey data and financial reporting data from 508 manufacturing and trading firms operating in Finland, divided among four supply chain tiers. The economic dimension dominates the decision making on all tiers, followed by social and environmental considerations, resembling the shape of Mickey Mouse. Unabsorbed organisational slack is negatively related to the importance of economic considerations and positively related to environmental considerations. The results help firms in evaluating their position in terms of sustainability and in their redesigning efforts accordingly. The findings will also be useful in terms of promoting sustainability practices among supply chain members and policymakers in their practical efforts towards sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Sini Laari & Tomi Solakivi & Anu Bask & Juuso Töyli & Lauri Ojala, 2021. "Unravelling Mickey Mouse: The Effect of Supply Chain Position and Organisational Slack on the Uneven Balance of Sustainability Dimensions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13623-:d:698843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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