Assessing enablers to social sustainability of supply chain in footwear industry: a case study

Abstract

Supply chain sustainability includes the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability. Economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have been examined by many previous studies. However, including social sustainability in supply chains has received less attention in the literature, in particular in the context of emerging economy like Bangladesh. Bangladeshi manufacturing industries are under pressure to incorporate social sustainability practices into their operations and supply chains.

Grounded on the stakeholder theory, this research investigates enablers to social sustainability of a footwear manufacturing company's supply chain of Bangladesh using the Best Worst method. A total of 10 enablers were identified by reviewing the related literature and taking experts' feedback. The enablers were ranked according to their average weight evaluated by the Best Worst method.

The results indicate that “workplace health and safety practices” is the most important enabler to the social sustainability of the footwear manufacturing company's supply chain, followed by “wages and benefits” offered to the employee of the company. The findings of this study are expected to help industrial managers and experts to guide where to focus their attention towards achieving social sustainability in the supply chain of the footwear industry.