Abstract

The issue of "conflict minerals" has received global attention and various attempts have been made to resolve this issue. This qualitative study explored the multi-stakeholder collaboration approach for addressing complex corporate social responsibility issues in global supply chains, using the case of the electronics industry. Perceived corporate motives and challenges to engaging in multi-stakeholder collaboration and dialogue were explored based on empirical data obtained through in-depth, semi structured interviews with management representatives for three case companies. The main motives expressed for participating in multi-stakeholder collaboration by representatives of the case companies were primarily linked to the complex nature of the conflict minerals problem and the fact that a diverse set of stakeholders is needed to achieve solutions. However, this diversity of stakeholders and perspectives also poses challenges for the case companies. Overall, the findings emphasise the importance of a collective approach when addressing complex social responsibility issues that reach beyond traditional company boundaries. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Conflict minerals; Dialogue; Electronics industry; Responsible sourcing; Stakeholder

Published in

Journal of Cleaner Production
2016, Volume: 131, pages: 639-648
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Airike, Peppi-Emilia

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Aldberg, Julia

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Mark-Herbert, Cecilia

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG8 Decent work and economic growth
SDG17 Partnerships for the goals


UKÄ Subject classification

Economic Geography


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.121

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82943