Implementing socially responsible purchasing : an evolution model

M.I. Kibbeling, W. Valk, van der, A.J. Weele, van

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademic

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Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become mandatory in the current economic era. Socially Responsible Purchasing (SRP) is a derivative of CSR and relates to the acquisition of external resources at the most favorable conditions. ‘Most favorable’ here also includes ‘socially responsible’. At the same time, little is known about what organizations can do to ensure social responsibility throughout their supply chain. This paper addresses the topic of how the purchasing function in organizations can be turned into a window of opportunity for creating sustainable supply chains. By reviewing literature a preliminary Socially Responsible Purchasing Development Model is proposed. This model was refined through a focus group discussion and company documentation analysis. An in-depth case study at an organization (i.e. a leading European bank) highly committed to CSR provided for an empirical assessment of our Socially Responsible Purchasing Development Model. Based on this assessment this paper delineates the major challenges that must be addressed when putting SRP in practice. Our study demonstrates that the tactical process of prioritization of SRP activities is the main reason for the apparent mismatch between the initial ambitions of (purchasing) managers on one hand and the structural role out of the SRP project studied on the other hand.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAcademy of Management meeting
Place of PublicationChicago, USA
PublisherGreen Matters
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Event69th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2009 - Chicago, United States
Duration: 7 Aug 200911 Aug 2009
Conference number: 69

Conference

Conference69th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, AOM 2009
Abbreviated titleAOM 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period7/08/0911/08/09
OtherGreen Management Matters

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