A Framework for Sustainable Supplier Relationship Management in Global Supply Chains

Thesis Abstract

In the increasingly interconnected global economy, supply chains are confronted with mounting pressures to balance economic performance with environmental stewardship and social responsibility, necessitating a comprehensive framework for sustainable supplier relationship management (SSRM). This study addresses the prevalent challenge faced by multinational corporations in developing, implementing, and sustaining effective SSRM practices that enhance overall supply chain resilience, foster long-term supplier partnerships, and promote sustainable development goals. The primary aim is to develop an empirically grounded, integrative framework that elucidates the key antecedents, processes, and outcomes of sustainable supplier relationships within the context of global supply chains. The research objectives include (1) identifying critical factors influencing sustainable supplier relationships; (2) examining the role of trust, communication, and shared value creation in fostering sustainability; (3) evaluating the impact of sustainable practices on supplier performance and supply chain resilience; and (4) formulating a comprehensive SSRM framework that integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability dimensions. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative phase employed ten in-depth interviews with supply chain managers from ten multinational manufacturing firms operating in Europe and Asia, aiming to explore contextual nuances and identify key constructs. The quantitative phase involved a survey administered to 300 supply chain practitioners selected through stratified random sampling across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and consumer goods, to quantify relationships among core variables. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interview guides for the qualitative phase and a structured questionnaire for the survey, validated through content validity assessments and pilot studies, achieving a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85 for internal consistency. Quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via AMOS software to test hypothesized relationships among variables such as trust, communication, sustainable practices, supplier performance, and supply chain resilience. The qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify recurring themes and contextual insights contributing to the theoretical model. Expected findings suggest that trust, communication, and shared value initiatives positively influence the adoption of sustainable practices by suppliers, which in turn enhance supplier performance and resilience within global supply chains. It is anticipated that the developed framework will delineate key pathways through which sustainability practices mediate supply chain outcomes, offering a holistic view that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations. The study contributes to existing literature by providing a novel, empirically validated framework grounded in stakeholder theory and the resource-based view, emphasizing the strategic significance of sustainable supplier relationships in global contexts. The research concludes that implementing the proposed SSRM framework can substantially improve supply chain sustainability and resilience, providing practical insights for managers and policymakers to advance sustainable procurement strategies. Recommendations include the adoption of collaborative relationship-building, transparent communication protocols, and integrated sustainability metrics within supplier evaluation processes. Furthermore, the study suggests avenues for future research, such as longitudinal analyses of SSRM practices and sector-specific adaptations. Overall, this thesis advances theoretical understanding and offers evidence-based strategies to foster enduring, sustainable supplier partnerships in complex global supply networks.