دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی به سوی مسئولیت انعکاسی در یک زنجیره تامین نساجی - وایلی 2018

ABSTRACT

Modern industrial society has transformed the textile sector. Brand-owning companies today seldom own the production process but instead rely on global supply chains consisting of a myriad of suppliers and sub-suppliers. The global scope of this sector, along with the complex and uncertain health and environmental risks associated with textile production, create extensive challenges for companies striving for sustainability. This paper explores the possibilities for responsible management of high-risk chemicals in textiles and focuses on a case study of a Swedish outdoor company. The concept of reflexive responsibility is used to understand and discuss potential possibilities and challenges. The paper describes the process and illuminates the complexity, balancing acts and avenues for upstream responsibility faced by a brand-owning company. It contributes to an understanding of how important steps towards responsibility can be taken. It also addresses the limits of responsible supply chain management of one organization, albeit a highly committed one.

Reflexivity and Responsible Supply Chain Management

This article argues for the value of connecting the concepts of reflexivity and responsibility in a context of complex and radically uncertain risks as well as global and complex supply chains. In the face of a less certain and rapidly changing world, both scholars and practitioners need concepts and proactive approaches appropriate for thinking and acting in these new circumstances.

A reflexive approach enhances a company’s preparedness to initiate and internally manage chemical risks as well as to respond to unexpected events. Haglöfs is outspokenly committed to assuming responsible supply chain management and is continuously striving towards developing such capabilities. The company has an outspoken, long-term and process-oriented approach with a focus on continuous learning, which allows for trial and error, as well as acknowledgement of complexities and ambiguities.

However, it is important to stress that a committed approach far from guarantees sustainability. Reflexive responsibility indeed entails acknowledgment that measures taken today might prove flawed tomorrow. Therefore, assuming such responsibility means making efforts to avoid becoming locked into path dependences, and create mindsets and organizational structures that are open to possible revision. Moreover, concerning the focus of this article, there must be constant readiness to substitute chemicals. This study also shows the complexity of managing chemical risks, as the company must also address, for example, opposing business interests, balancing different risks, knowledge uncertainties, internal fragmentation, a fragmented supply chain and ‘weak’ legislation.