CSR in the global marketplace: Towards sustainable global value chains
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this article is to identify some emergent issues when sustainability is introduced into global value chains. These issues deal with the conditions under which a sustainable global value chain might gain international competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory research was conducted, based on a case study. The main players of the JOBEK's Global Value Chain were identified and interviews were carried out with representatives of these players. A thematic content analysis was developed, supported by Atlas TI software, using interview data and documents.
Findings
Three main themes have emerged, which can be considered as underlying issues of an emerging concept that the authors call the “sustainable global value chain”. These are: bargaining power between the chain's players; a differentiation strategy along the global value chain; and a collaborative awareness‐building process along the global value chain.
Research limitations/implications
Although the findings result from a single case study, the characteristics of this case have allowed the authors to suggest an emergent concept for the field of international business: the concept of a sustainable global value chain. This has implications for the development of a new research field and for the introduction of some ethical concerns into this field.
Practical implications
Managers of organizations that participate in sustainable global value chains may consider the emerging concepts and their interrelationships as a guideline for strategic decision‐making. In particular, managers need to be aware of how the relationships between power balance, CSR product differentiation strategies and awareness building may influence the competitiveness of their sustainable global value chain.
Originality/value
The article proposes the emergence of a new concept that has important ethical implications for international business: the sustainable global value chain. The authors suggest that the further development of this new concept is likely to stimulate the development of an emergent research field.
Keywords
Citation
Barin Cruz, L. and Boehe, D.M. (2008), "CSR in the global marketplace: Towards sustainable global value chains", Management Decision, Vol. 46 No. 8, pp. 1187-1209. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810901381
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited