Article Reviews on Ethics in Supply Chain Management

Today, supply chain management has assumed new importance and relevance as global supply networks are challenged on multiple fronts. Against this backdrop, there is a corresponding need to ensure ethical supply chain management practices. To gain some new insights into this growing need, the purpose of this paper is to provide a review of two selected peer-reviewed articles concerning ethics in supply chain management. First, a synthesis of the authors position is followed by an evaluation of the accuracy of the information they present. Second, an analysis concerning any discernible biases or instances of faulty reasoning is followed by an assessment about the extent to which the respective authors agree. Finally, the paper presents a summary of the reviewed articles and important findings concerning ethics in supply chain management in the conclusion.

Synthesis of Articles

The authors of both articles make the point that supply chain managers at all levels are well situated to take advantage of the multiple opportunities that are available to improve their environmental ethical approach to doing business. In addition, although not specifically stated, the authors also agree that far too many supply chain practitioners are reluctant to pursue novel and innovative supply chain practices since it would require moving from their routine and comfort zone, as well as some concern on their part over what environmentally ethical practices involve. In sum, both articles generally describe various strategies to help supply chain managers gain a better understanding of the terms and innovative approaches that define environmentally ethical supply chain practices.

Given the need to remain competitive in an increasingly globalized marketplace, the above-described constraints to the uptake and implementation of environmentally responsible business practices are understandable but they also overlook the multiple benefits and opportunities that accrue to environmentally ethical supply chain practices. For example, a study by Wong et al. (2020) notes that there are two primary types of green innovation with relevant to supply chain management, green process innovation and green product innovation. According to Wong and his associates, Green product innovation uses cleaner materials and product technologies to (re)design products and packaging. Green process innovation uses green sourcing, production and logistics technologies without changing the product design (2020, p. 4589).

Although both of these types of green practices have some environmentally ethical implications, green process innovation stands out as having the most potential impact on developing more efficient supply chain operations. This outcome suggests that supply chain managers would be interested in anything that could save them time and money, but...…not be fully generalizable to other populations.

What are both authors saying the same topic? Do they agree, or is there conflicting information?

The authors all concur that supply chain management practitioners can help their organizations by improving their supply chain operations and processes to eliminate waste and optimize networks. The only conflicting information presented in these two articles was the approach that the authors advocated in achieving this outcome, with the Wong et al. (2020) study recommending streamlining process all along the supply chain while Shadab et al. (2021) suggest that maximum improvements can be realized by identifying supply chain choke points and formulating appropriate solutions.

Conclusion

The research was consistent in showing that supply chain managers in organizations of all sizes and types are well situated to contribute to the bottom line as well as improve their brand by reducing the environmental impact of their supply chain operations and supporting processes. Both of the articles reviewed above provided strategies for this purpose that are applicable to many supply chain operations, and both emphasized the need for continuous improvements. Finally, the research was also consistent in showing that there are multiple ways that supply chain managers can enhance the efficiency of their operations provided that they perform their due diligence and remain vigilant for opportunities…