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Sustainable supply chain governance: A literature review

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  • Linh Thuy Nguyen
  • Rob Zuidwijk

Abstract

Governance is one of the core concepts underlying sustainable supply chain (SC). Although governance practices are widely acknowledged and implemented, literature discussing those practices is not as thoroughly organized. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate the forms, dynamics, and development of sustainable supply chain governance (SSCG). We reviewed a total of 126 articles in operations and SC management peer‐reviewed journals spanning 15 years of recent research. Our literature analysis unveils several key themes concerning the popularity of contractual and relational governance, the role of SC lead firms, the network perspective, and the dynamics of governance mechanisms. At a higher conceptual level, we conclude that there exists a mutually dependent relationship between SSCG and SC complexity. The study summarizes and conceptualizes the recent scholarly conversations about SSCG and offers an agenda for further research.

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  • Linh Thuy Nguyen & Rob Zuidwijk, 2025. "Sustainable supply chain governance: A literature review," Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 541-564, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:buseth:v:34:y:2025:i:2:p:541-564
    DOI: 10.1111/beer.12668
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