International business and globalization in the current business environment have led to more attention to supply chain management. Scholars and practitioners are emphasizing on implementing social sustainability within the supply chain management given the pressures are driven by customers, government, and other stakeholder groups.
Social Sustainability
The supply chains have become more complex in the recent effects of globalization and economies, indicating that the key issues related to supply chains, such as competencies, design, capabilities, and management, need more attention.
To manage the supply chain effectively, increased focus on CSR must be facilitated through coordination throughout purchasing, manufacturing, distribution, and marketing. Also, a formal system for reporting CSR issues within the supply chain is needed to achieve greater commitment to stakeholders and performance advantages.
Also, there is a need to address the behaviors so that successful performance is achieved at all stages of the supply chain. Integrating social considerations with supply chain management is an important discipline that leads to the satisfaction of the sustainability objectives.
However, the social dimension of sustainability varies from the environmental dimension. It is not often related strongly to supply chains such as social management systems, or social supply chains are not so common.
One of the major components of supply chain management is the human element, including labor, skills, and experience, which is an important consideration within social supply chain management.
The main emphasis on profits is considered the most important factor for the future of internal and external people and long-term organizational strategy. However, there is no single definition of sustainability in terms of social dimension.
The goals of sustainability that are connected, inclusive, secure and equitable must be part of the ethical code for the survival and progress of humans.
Also, there is to be a strong association between the social dimension of sustainability and its management, as it reduces unemployment, prevents social exclusion, protects the health and safety of employees and ensures equal treatment.
Given the globally competitive business environment, sustainability is the prime concern in various areas. Social sustainability is a multidimensional construct that focuses on using resources efficiently to increase the economic bottom line and the return on investments when additional factors of greater ecological responsibility and social considerations are considered.
Supply chains have become major sources of serious environmental problems as they cause waste and emissions that lead to acid rain and global warming.
