Institutional Theory in Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This thesis investigates the applicability of Institutional Theory in the context of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) through a comprehensive and systematic review of the relevant literature. A search was conducted on one of the leading academic databases, Scopus, using the keywords 'Institutional Theory' and 'Sustainable Supply Chain Management' in order to identify relevant studies that analyse how institutional pressures – coercive, normative, and mimetic – influence the adoption of sustainable practices along the supply chain. In particular, the work examines the manner in which these pressures regulate the behaviour of organisations, resulting in an increasing homogenisation of sustainable practices. Furthermore, it considers the extent to which Institutional Theory can provide a useful interpretative framework for understanding companies' response to sustainability challenges. The review also considers the value of integrating complementary theories, such as the Resource-Based View, and the function of multi-tier relationships in global supply chains. The findings demonstrate that companies adopt sustainable practices for reasons beyond mere operational efficiency, seeking to enhance their social legitimacy and maintain a positive reputation. This thesis contributes to the Sustainable Supply Chain Management literature by elucidating the relationship between institutional pressures and the uptake of green practices. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for future empirical studies aimed at enhancing the comprehension of institutional dynamics in sustainable sourcing contexts.