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Social sustainability in the food value chain: An integrative approach beyond corporate social responsibility

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  • Mariana Toussaint
  • Pablo Cabanelas
  • Alicia Blanco‐González

Abstract

Nowadays, social sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are becoming more relevant, however, a series of inconsistencies emerge from existent literature. Due to its complexity and sensitiveness, social sustainability is difficult to implement and measure, while social issues receive less attention in CSR operational plans in comparison to environmental factors. This study contributes to an under‐researched topic in the literature by providing a framework for developing CSR practices in the food value chains from a social perspective. Findings recommend different ways to measure social issues and identify communication and transparency as central elements to demonstrate a company's effort. This process requires the commitment of all actors, not only companies, but also stakeholders and governmental bodies involved in FVCs to ensure social sustainability. The academia has also a major role on standardizing how to measure it. Finally, this paper offers a series of practical recommendations to ensure good social practices along the FVC.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariana Toussaint & Pablo Cabanelas & Alicia Blanco‐González, 2021. "Social sustainability in the food value chain: An integrative approach beyond corporate social responsibility," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(1), pages 103-115, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:corsem:v:28:y:2021:i:1:p:103-115
    DOI: 10.1002/csr.2035
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    4. Blanco-González, Alicia & Cachón-Rodríguez, Gabriel & Hernández-Perlines, Felipe & Prado-Román, Camilo, 2023. "Effects of social responsibility on legitimacy and revisit intention: The moderating role of anxiety," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
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