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A conceptual framework proposed through literature review to determine the dimensions of social transparency in global supply chains

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Abstract

The current focus in supply chain management (SCM) research revolves around the relationship between sustainability and supply chain transparency (SCT). Despite the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic- the limited and scattered analysis is on the social part, and the least is on socially responsible supply chain management (SR-SCM). SCT plays a significant role in elevating the sustainability of the supply chain. This review paper emphasizes the integration of SCT and sustainable supply chain, especially the social aspect as SR-SCM, and coining the new term social transparency (ST). ST is openness to communicating details about the impact of business on people, their well-being, and compliance with social sustainability standards and policies. This paper establishes a conceptual framework using three research methods. systematic literature review, content analysis-based literature review, and framework development. By locating studies in databases like EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science, 273 peer-reviewed articles were identified in the intersection of social sustainability, supply chains, and transparency. Finally, the framework proposes five dimensions: tracking and tracing suppliers till provenance, product and process specifications, financial transaction information, social sustainability policies and compliance, and performance assessment to determine ST in global supply chains.

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Data availability

The data that supports the findings of this systematic literature review and content analysis are either included in this manuscript or are publicly available in the referenced sources. All included studies and their respective citations are provided in the reference section. Any additional data or materials used for this review can be obtained upon request from the corresponding author.

Abbreviations

SCM:

Supply chain management

SR-SCM:

Socially responsible supply chain management

SCT:

Supply Chain Transparency

ST:

Social Transparency

MNCs:

Multinational Corporations

CoC:

Code of Conduct

CSR:

Corporate Social Responsibility

PRISMA:

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

RFID:

Radio frequency Identification

IoT:

Internet of Things

SSCM:

Sustainable Supply Chain Management

SC:

Supply Chain

OEKO TEX:

Textile Standard Certification

WRAP:

Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production

GOTS:

Global Organic Textile Standard

GRS:

Global Recycled Standard

REACH:

Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction on the use of Chemicals

SA 8000:

Social Accountability International Certification

ISI:

Indian Standards Institution Mark

BIS:

Bureau of Indian Standards

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  1. Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, Chennai, 600036, Tamil Nadu, India

    Preethi Raja & Usha Mohan

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  1. Preethi Raja
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Raja, P., Mohan, U. A conceptual framework proposed through literature review to determine the dimensions of social transparency in global supply chains. Manag Rev Q (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-024-00440-1

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