Sustainability supplier scorecard assessment tools: A comparison between apparel retailers

The purpose of this qualitative study is to evaluate and compare eight sustainability supplier scorecard assessment tools in use among five major international apparel retailers, Walmart, Eileen Fisher, Nike, H&M, and Gap. Inductive content analysis was used to study the raw textual data and make evidence-based inferences. Results showed that the field of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is subject to inefficiencies because there are inadequate standards for reporting information which would expose these inefficiencies. The investigated tools varied in terms of scope, performance measurements, and scoring methodologies, which had negative effects on their comparability. This obstacle, however, does not invalidate the major findings, which revealed an evident and concerning lack of information to support the practical application of the tools investigated. Because no retailer disclosed information about its lower tier suppliers’ assessments, it is uncertain whether and how suppliers in lower tiers are engaged in sustainability assessments. Because sustainability violations occur at a higher rate within fragmented supply chains, it is critical to communicate supplier engagement throughout the value chain. The findings of this study urge the application of standardized and comprehensive scorecard assessments which would help to enhance the credibility of SSCM practice, its assessment, and its communication.