Enablers and Outcomes of Supply Chain Collaboration for Sustainable Growth

Abstract
This study explores the intricate dynamics, challenges, and potential benefits of supply chain collaboration, emphasizing its pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals. Modern Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) projects focus on sustainability-related activities, fostering interdependence between partners and driving sustained competitive advantage. The study introduces a comprehensive framework encompassing specific enablers (e.g., Joint Decision Making, Technology Integration) and outcomes (e.g., Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability) of supply chain collaboration. It contributes to practical guidelines for businesses seeking to enhance collaboration strategies and delves into theoretical paradigms such as the Cooperative Advantage concept, Triple Bottom Line Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, and Network Theory. The Triple Bottom Line Theory serves as an integrated theory of sustainability, emphasizing economic advantages, environmental impact minimization, and societal benefits. The Resource-Based View Theory underscores the role of internal resources in gaining competitive advantages, aligning with sustainability goals. Network Theory explores collaborative dynamics among competing entities, emphasizing resource sharing. The study’s findings offer practical implications, enabling companies to assess and improve the sustainability of their supply chain management. It advocates for the integration of supply chain collaboration into organizational missions, emphasizing the importance of trust-building through standardized guidelines. The insights gained from this study are applicable across sectors, aiding legislators in developing flexible regulations and refining collaboration processes. Additionally, the study highlights the potential cultural variations in supply chain collaboration, paving the way for future research.
Keywords: Network theory, Supply chain collaboration, Sustainable supply chain management, Triple bottom line theory, Resource-based view theory.

Author(s): Suganya G, J Joshua Selvakumar, Sathish Pachiyappan*
Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Pages: 535-556
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47857/irjms.2024.v05i01.0264